Question 1

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker vs Clinical Psychologist: What's the Difference?

Accepted Answer

What exactly is an AMHSW?
An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker is a qualified social worker who has additional specialized training in mental health. We're recognized by Medicare and some private health insurances and bring a unique approach to mental health support! 
How are AMHSWs different from Clinical Psychologists?
Think of it this way:
 • Psychologists focus primarily on your internal thought processes and behaviours
 • AMHSWs look at the whole picture – your thoughts AND your environment, relationships, practical challenges, and social circumstances 
What makes AMHSWs awesome? 🌟
 • We see the bigger picture – Your mental health doesn't exist in isolation from your life circumstances.
 • We're trained in evidence-based therapies – Like Clinical psychologists, we also use powerful psychological approaches like TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address trauma and other mental health concerns.
 • We can offer practical help – Need assistance with NDIS, Victims of Crime applications, advocacy support or accessing services? We've got you!
 • We combine therapy with real-world solutions – It's not just about talking; it's about making life better.
 • We're Medicare-rebatable – More affordable access to mental health support.
 • We're social justice champions – We understand how systems and society impact your wellbeing and advocacy is always at the heart of what we do. 
When might an AMHSW be the perfect fit for you?
 • You want someone who understands how your environment affects your mental health.
 • You want evidence-based psychological strategies like TFCBT or EMDR combined with social understanding.
 • You're looking for both emotional support AND practical assistance.
 • You value a holistic approach to wellbeing – You're looking for someone who see the 'whole' you. 
 • You want an advocate who will stand up for your rights.

When might another mental health professional be a better match?
 • You're specifically seeking extensive psychological testing or diagnostic assessments (A Clin Psych would be a great fit!)
 • You require specialized neuropsychological evaluations.
 • You're primarily interested in medication management (a Psychiatrist would be your best option)
 • You need very specialized treatment for certain conditions that require particular expertise outside an AMHSW's scope.
 • You're looking for a purely psychological approach without consideration of social or environmental factors.
The bottom line:
AMHSWs bring a unique "whole-person" perspective to mental health care. We understand that feeling better isn't just about what's happening in your mind – it's also about what's happening in your life!

Question 2

What is EMDR?

Accepted Answer

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It’s an evidence-based, gold standard therapy for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Rather than requiring you to talk in detail about distressing experiences, EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic or overwhelming memories so they feel less “stuck” and distressing. This is done through guided sets of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (such as tapping).

Research shows EMDR can reduce the intensity of trauma symptoms, anxiety, and negative beliefs about yourself, while strengthening your capacity to feel safe, calm, and connected.

Question 3

What can I expect in the first session?

Accepted Answer

Our first meeting focuses on building connection and understanding your unique situation. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your goals, and develop an initial plan for our work together. For younger adolescents, this session often includes parents/carers.

Question 4

How long does therapy typically last?

Accepted Answer

The duration of therapeutic support varies based on individual needs and goals. While some clients benefit from brief, focused intervention (8-12 sessions), many find that meaningful and sustainable change emerges through a longer-term therapeutic relationship.
My approach recognizes that many psychological and emotional patterns develop over time. These patterns often benefit from a therapeutic process that allows sufficient space for exploration, understanding, and gradual transformation. Research suggests that enduring change, particularly for concerns related to longstanding patterns or complex experiences, typically requires consistent therapeutic engagement.

It's important to understand that engaging in longer-term therapy is not an indication of failure or lack of progress. Rather, it represents a commitment to deeper healing and personal growth. Long-term therapeutic work often provides significant benefits including more profound self-awareness, stronger emotional resilience, improved relationship patterns, and the development of sustainable coping strategies. This approach creates space for addressing layers of experience that might not emerge in brief interventions.

That said, therapy is always collaborative. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach to ensure it continues to serve your evolving needs. There is no predetermined timeline—our focus remains on providing the appropriate level of support for your unique circumstances, whether that involves shorter-term work or a more extended therapeutic journey.

Question 5

Do you accept NDIS funding?

Accepted Answer

I provide therapeutic supports that may be utilized under the NDIS Improved Daily Living category. However, I am not currently registered as an NDIS provider.

This means that participants with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funding can access my services, while those with NDIA-managed plans would need to seek providers who are formally registered with the NDIS.

I work collaboratively with support coordinators and can provide progress reports aligned with NDIS goals and requirements for eligible clients.

If you're unsure about your funding arrangement or eligibility to access my services through NDIS, I encourage you to contact your plan manager or support coordinator for clarification.

Question 6

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with tweens (from around 10 years old), teenagers, and adults of all ages. My practice is inclusive and affirming, supporting people from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences. I provide individual therapy (not couples or family therapy), with a focus on trauma recovery, mental health, identity, and relationships.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic progress relies on consistent engagement. To maintain the integrity of our work together and respect the time reserved for your care, I request 48 hours notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling.

This notice period allows me to offer the appointment time to other clients who may be waiting for support and helps maintain the sustainability of my practice.

Late cancellations (less than 48 hours' notice) or missed appointments will incur the full session fee. While I understand that emergencies and unforeseen circumstances occur, consistent late cancellations impact both your therapeutic progress and practice operations. Special circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and I encourage open communication about any difficulties you may experience in attending scheduled appointments.

Question 8

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is fundamental to creating a safe therapeutic space. There are specific limits to confidentiality, particularly around safety concerns, which I'll discuss during our first session. For young people, I typically work with a developmentally appropriate approach to privacy while maintaining appropriate parent/carer involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions