What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers have a breadth of experience in assessing and treating people who have mental health disorders, for example, people with:

  • Depression and other mood disorders

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Personality disorders

  • Psychosis

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Relationship problems

  • Life crises

  • Adjustment issues

  • Trauma

  • Family conflicts

They help individuals to resolve presenting psychological problems, the associated social and other environmental problems, and improve their quality of life. This may involve family as well as individual counselling, and group therapy. Social workers recognise the broader implications of an individual having a mental illness and the impact on friends, family, work and education.

Like other allied health professionals, such as psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers use a range of interventions in helping people with mental health disorders, including the following focussed psychological strategies:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy

  • Behavioural interventions

  • Cognitive interventions

  • Relaxation strategies

  • Skills training

  • Problem-solving

  • Anger management

  • Social skills

  • Stress management

  • Parenting skills

  • Interpersonal therapy

  • Psycho-education (including Motivational Interviewing)

  • Narrative therapy

More information about Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can be found here.