Blog 
If you’re struggling with your mental health, knowing who to turn to may feel overwhelming. You might have heard of psychologists, psychiatrists or counsellors, but have you heard of a mental health social worker?
Mental health social workers are trained professionals who can help you manage mental health challenges. They look at the bigger picture, not just your symptoms, and consider what’s happening in your life. If you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma or relationship problems, they can work with you to find the support you need.
What Is a Mental Health Social Worker?
A mental health social worker is a qualified social worker who has extra training and experience in mental health care. They are also known as Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) and are recognised by Medicare. This means you may be able to get a rebate for their services if your GP gives you a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Mental health social workers don’t just provide therapy. They’re skilled in understanding how your environment, relationships and social connections affect your wellbeing. They work in many settings including clinics, hospitals, community health services, private practice, schools and even online.
How Mental Health Social Workers Help
Mental health social workers support people facing all kinds of mental health issues. They use proven methods like counselling, psychotherapy and focused psychological strategies. These are practical tools to help you manage thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
They can work with individuals, couples, families or groups. Some of the mental health issues they help with include:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality disorders
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trauma and PTSD
- Relationship and family conflict
- Life crises and adjustment issues
Their support goes beyond therapy.
They can also help you navigate life’s practical challenges, like finding housing, dealing with a job loss or accessing financial or legal support. This holistic view helps you make progress in all areas of your life.
The Whole-of-Person Approach
Mental health social workers don’t just focus on your mental health symptoms, rather they take a whole-of-person approach. That means they consider everything that’s happening in your life from your relationships, work, finances and physical health to culture and community.
Why Is This Important?
Mental health is closely linked to a person’s environment, relationships and life circumstances. Challenges such as workplace stress, housing instability or relationship breakdowns can affect emotional wellbeing. A mental health social worker takes these broader factors into account, helping you understand how different aspects of your life are connected. They offer practical strategies and support to address these challenges in a way that promotes long-term recovery and resilience.
They also recognise how mental illness can affect the people around you, such as your partner, children, family or friends. Support can include helping your loved ones understand what you’re going through or involving them in therapy if needed.
How They’re Different from Psychologists
You might wonder how is a mental health social worker different from a psychologist?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Mental Health Social Worker | Psychologist | |
| Training | Degree in social work, plus mental health expertise | Degree in psychology, plus clinical training |
| Focus | Mental health and social/environmental factors | Mental health, behaviour and thought patterns |
| Support Offered | Therapy, plus help with housing, family issues, work challenges etc. | Therapy, psychological testing, behavioural interventions |
| Approach | Looks at the whole person in their life context | Focuses mainly on cognitive and emotional factors |
Both play important roles and sometimes they work together as part of a team. A mental health social worker can offer a broader lens, especially if your situation involves more than just psychological symptoms.
What You Can Expect from Sessions
Your first session usually involves getting to know each other. You’ll talk about what’s been going on, what challenges you’re facing and what kind of help you’re looking for.
Your mental health social worker will listen without judgment. They’ll ask questions, explain what they can offer and work with you to plan the next steps.
Sessions might include:
- Talking through difficult emotions
- Learning practical tools to manage anxiety or stress
- Exploring past trauma in a safe and respectful way
- Setting small, achievable goals
- Involving family members if that’s helpful
Each session lasts around 50 to 60 minutes. You might meet weekly, every two weeks or less often, depending on what’s right for you.
Many mental health social workers offer both face-to-face and telehealth appointments, making it easier to get support in a way that suits your location and lifestyle.
Accessing Help Through Medicare
You may be eligible for Medicare rebates to see a mental health social worker. Here’s how it works:
- Visit your GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
- Your GP can refer you to a mental health social worker.
- You can claim rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per year (and/or 10 group sessions).
This makes getting help more affordable. Mental health social workers may also be covered under private health, NDIS or other funding schemes like workers’ compensation. Check coverage for your individual circumstances.
Why See a Mental Health Social Worker?
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek help. Mental health social workers can support you with:
- Ongoing stress and feeling overwhelmed
- Relationship or family problems
- Low mood or anxiety
- Trauma or grief
- Adjusting to big life changes
- Feeling stuck or disconnected
Mental health social workers can help you manage change, connect with the right support services and build practical skills to handle life’s challenges. Their goal is to help you feel more confident, capable and in control of your situation.
Access Support from a Mental Health Social Worker Today
Mental health social workers are equipped to support both the emotional and practical aspects of mental health care. They take the time to understand your situation and work with you to develop achievable steps forward.
Psychological Health Care now offers appointments with an experienced accredited mental health social worker. She is available for both face-to-face and telehealth consultations, providing flexible support tailored to your needs.
If you’re seeking practical, professional help for managing life’s challenges, you can now access this service directly through our team. Contact us to make an appointment.