An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) in Australia is a social worker who has achieved advanced qualifications and experience in the field of mental health. This designation is granted by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which is the national professional association for social workers in Australia.

To become an AMHSW, a social worker typically needs to:

Complete Advanced Training: This includes specialised education and training in mental health beyond the basic qualifications required for general social work practice.

Gain Relevant Experience: They must accumulate substantial work experience in mental health settings. This experience is crucial for developing the expertise needed to handle complex mental health issues effectively.

Undergo Accreditation: The social worker must apply for and be granted accreditation by the AASW, which involves meeting specific criteria related to their education, experience, and professional practice.

Commit to Continuing Professional Development: AMHSWs are required to engage in ongoing professional development to keep up-to-date with the latest practices and research in mental health.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are skilled in providing support and interventions for individuals dealing with mental health issues. They often work in various settings, including hospitals, community health centres, private practice, and other organisations that offer mental health services. Their role may involve assessing clients' needs, providing counselling, and developing treatment plans, as well as working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.

You do not need a referral to access our services at Launceston Therapy Collective. You can do a self-referral.

However in order to claim a Medicare rebate, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP.

You can also be referred through your school, your work, community organisation, church, sporting team, or other professionals working with you.

Our session fees start at $230 per 50-minute individual sessions.

Outdoor sessions attract a higher fee due to travel costs - $250 per individual session

Supervision fees start at $220 per 50 minute supervision session. This fee includes GST.

Payment is required on the day of service provided.

Some supporting letters and reports may also come with a fee.

The current recommended fee for accredited mental health social workers, according to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), is $289 per 50-minute individual session.

Most individuals will access our services through a Mental Health Care Plan, received from their GP.

These plans will allow for a Medicare rebate starting at $85.20 for sessions.

Some private health insurances will cover therapy sessions with an accredited mental health social worker.

Our aim at Launceston Therapy Collective is to place you with the practitioner that you feel is best suited to your needs. However, this can be dependent on wait times and availabilities.

We will endeavour to assist you through this process if you were not able to see your preferred practitioner as quickly as you would like.

Cancellation fees do apply at Launceston Therapy Collective, for late cancellations or for non-attendance.

Details of these fees are provided to you in detail before your first session.

Launceston Therapy Collective is a non-bulk billing service.

Fees are associated with all services offered by Launceston Therapy Collective.