What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker? (Tab)
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers:
- Are specialised social workers who have extensive postgraduate training and experience in the field of mental health.
- Are accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
- Use therapeutic skills, knowledge and experience to provide recovery-based mental health interventions and supports.
What can an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker do?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are unable to diagnose mental health conditions, however, they can provide assessments and direct you to someone who can make a diagnosis.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers understand mental health issues and disorders and have training, skills and expertise to assess your situation and to offer effective treatment.
Some of the treatments Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can provide include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Relaxation training
- Parenting training
- Interpersonal skills training
- Psychotherapy
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can also work as a team with other health professionals from whom you are receiving treatment and support.
Do Accredited Mental Health Social Workers offer Medicare and private insurance rebates?
AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are registered providers with Medicare.
You are eligible for a Medicare rebate if you are referred by your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist.
How do I receive a Medicare rebate?
To receive a Medicare rebate when seeing an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker:
- Make an appointment to see your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist
- Ask your GP for a mental health treatment plan and a referral letter to Emerge Therapeutic Services
- If you are being referred by your psychiatrist or paediatrician, just ask for a referral letter to Emerge Therapeutic Services.
Where do Accredited Mental Health Social Workers work?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers may provide services privately under Medicare. They work independently or as part of a group. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers usually provide services in a consulting room, via telehealth, and some are able to see you where you live.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can also work for primary health networks, Workcover, Victim Support Services and other government programs in most States and Territories.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are bound by a code of ethics, which includes maintaining confidentiality about what you discuss with them. However, there may be exceptional circumstances where an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker may need to discuss your information with others, such as when there is concern about your safety. You can talk to your local Accredited Mental Health Social Worker about the situations in which your information might be shared.