What Is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)?
- Teena Mogler
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
We often get asked, "What’s the difference between a social worker and an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?" It’s a great question that helps people better understand their options when looking for the right mental health support.
AMHSW: More Than a Title
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are highly trained professionals who have completed a recognised social work degree—either at the undergraduate or postgraduate level—followed by at least two years of supervised clinical practice in mental health settings. They’ve also undergone a formal accreditation process through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which is recognised by the Federal Government.
This accreditation means that AMHSWs are approved to provide services under Medicare through the Better Access initiative, with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. They can also offer therapy and support under the NDIS, Open Arms, and other funding bodies.
At Balance Centre, we also offer psychosocial Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA's) for NDIS purposes. These assessments explore how mental health conditions impact everyday functioning and provide valuable insights to support access to funding and services.
Download your FREE Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) Prep Pack at the link below:
A Holistic, Person-Centred Approach
What sets AMHSWs apart is their ability to view mental health through a wide lens. While psychologists often focus on internal emotional or cognitive factors, AMHSWs are trained to explore how your mental health is influenced by your relationships, community, social systems, trauma history, and environment.
This means your therapy isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about understanding your story, your strengths, and what really matters to you. Together, we explore practical and emotional supports that work in the context of your life.
What We Support
At Balance Centre, our Accredited Mental Health Social Workers support people across the lifespan with a wide range of concerns, including:
Anxiety & panic
Depression and mood disorders
Trauma and complex PTSD
Relationship and family challenges
Self-esteem and identity exploration
Grief and loss
Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
Life transitions and adjustment issues
Childhood emotional development
Neurodivergent experiences (Autism, ADHD)
Our approach is gentle, collaborative, and guided by you.
Tools and Therapies We Use
AMHSWs use evidence-based therapies to support mental well-being. Depending on your needs, your therapist might draw from:
Psychoeducation
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
EMDR Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Interpersonal Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Relaxation and grounding techniques
Skills training (social skills, parenting, anger, problem-solving)
Strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches
Your care is never a one-size-fits-all plan. We adapt our support to your goals, your pace, and your experiences.
Are AMHSWs Qualified Mental Health Professionals?
Absolutely. AMHSWs meet strict educational and clinical training requirements. All social workers are university-trained, and those who become AMHSWs have further specialised experience and training in mental health care. Many continue postgraduate study, therapeutic certifications, and professional development to stay current and effective.
So if you’re unsure whether to see a psychologist, counsellor, or AMHSW—know that AMHSWs bring a blend of therapeutic skill and real-world understanding of how people’s lives are shaped by more than just symptoms. We look at the whole person.
Finding the Right Fit
Finding the right therapist is about more than titles—it’s about connection, safety, and support that fits your needs. At Balance Centre for Mental Health, we’re happy to talk with you about what you’re looking for and whether one of our AMHSWs might be the right fit.
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