Mental Health

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Mental Health

Mental Health Credential

The Mental Health credential is a highly valued acknowledgment of specialist social work skills and experience in Mental Health which is highly regarded by employers working in Mental Health.

The AASW also advocated for this accreditation to give social workers the ability to provide services under Medicare. As a result, mental health services and support provided by social workers is now more accessible to the community.

The process of assessing social workers for a mental health credential through the AASW is endorsed by the federal government. The credential enables the accredited social worker to apply to Medicare Australia to provide services if they choose.

AASW members achieving credentials can use these post-nominals

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker – MAASW AMHSW

Benefits of a Mental Health credential

Access government funded programs and initiatives

Accredited Mental Health social workers can access referrals under government-funded programs.

Obtain an Allied Health Medicare Provider number

Accredited Mental Health social workers can provide Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) services through the Better Access To Mental Health Care, Chronic Disease Management and Access to Allied Psychological Services Programs.

Make a difference

Become part of a community of specialists, contributing to improved social policy via the submissions that the Association makes to government, independent enquiries, including national and state senate inquiries and royal commissions.

Opportunity

A Mental Health credential is highly regarded by employers and an important signal to employers and other professionals of your skills and experience leading to career opportunities.

AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Worker Application Criteria

For further information please refer to the Credentials Guide

Mental Health Credential FAQs

  • AASW’s online professional development platform contains Mental Health specific on-demand training, as well as a selection of Live training which can be accessed through our events calendar. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are required to meet the CPD requirements annually to maintain their credential.
  • MyAASW Community Hub is the AASWs online community of practice, providing a dynamic, member-led space for peer connection, support, discussion, and learning through shared practice knowledge, experiences and resources. There is a dedicated Mental Health group where members can share and collaborate with fellow credentialed members.
  • Accredited Mental Health Social Workers also receive monthly dedicated eNews which delivers mental health and related industry news about activities, opportunities and issues related to social work, mental health, Medicare, Primary Health Networks, the Department of Veteran Affairs, CPD and more.

The following Medicare programs and federal government initiatives recognise Accredited Mental Health Social Workers as being eligible to provide a particular service. Some may ask social workers to meet additional requirements.

 

As outlined by Australian Government Department of Health, only Accredited Mental Health Social Workers who have a Medicare provider number may provide Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) services through the Better Access to Mental Health Care, Chronic Disease Management and Access to Allied Psychological Services programs.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are also recognised by some private health insurers, including Bupa, HCF and Teachers Health. Mental health services provided by these professionals can be claimed by clients with certain private health insurance extras cover.

AASW advocacy has led to many breakthroughs for Accredited Mental Health Social Workers, including the ability to provide services under Medicare. We advocate for better social policy in this space through submissions to government and independent inquiries, including national and state senate inquiries and royal commissions. We have a dedicated Mental Health Social Policy and Advocacy Officer available at [email protected].

Click here for more information on Mental health advocacy

Payment for the Mental Health Credential must be made in full before any new application, renewal, reinstatement, or secondary application (reassessment or appeal).