The Expertise Behind Accredited Mental Health Social Workers: Information for Clients and Referrers

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INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS

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At Mental Health Counselling Geelong, our Accredited Mental Health Social Workers have advanced training and extensive experience in mental health care. To become accredited, they complete a Bachelor of Social Work plus several years of specialised clinical mental health practice, meeting rigorous standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

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This means you are supported by highly qualified Mental Health Social Workers who are skilled in assessing and treating a wide range of concerns, including complex or long standing difficulties. Our Mental Health Social Workers provide counselling and psychotherapy tailored to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

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Confidentiality is a core part of our practice. What you share is private, except in rare situations where safety concerns require information to be shared. If this ever applies, it will be discussed with you.

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Medicare rebates are available for sessions with our Accredited Mental Health Social Workers.

 

To access rebates:

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1. Make an appointment with your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician

2. Request a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral letter

3. Contact us to book your appointment with your referral details

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If you are unsure what you need, please contact us and we can guide you.

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INFORMATION FOR REFERRERS

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Our Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are registered Medicare providers with specialist mental health accreditation through the AASW. They provide expert assessment and treatment for a broad range of mental health presentations, including:

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• Depression and mood disorders

• Anxiety disorders

• Personality disorders

• Psychosis and suicidal thoughts

• Trauma, adjustment issues, and life crises

• Relationship and family conflict

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Mental Health Social Workers recognise the broader impact of mental illness on relationships, family functioning, work, education, and social connection.

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Therapeutic approaches include evidence based strategies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, skills training, interpersonal therapy, psychoeducation, EMDR, and culturally responsive narrative approaches.

 

Simple referral process:

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1. Complete a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan for your patient

2. Provide a written referral letter to an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

3. We contact the patient to arrange an appointment or if we have not contacted them as promptly as they would prefer they can contact us.

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Medicare rebates apply under current government programs. Please refer to Medicare for relevant item numbers and requirements.

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Feedback to referrers:

We provide written reports outlining assessments undertaken, treatment provided, and recommendations to support ongoing management.

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Our Accredited Mental Health Social Workers work collaboratively with GPs and other health professionals to provide high quality, comprehensive mental health care.

 

 

More information can be found at the AASW website here.