Counselling is a collaborative process that begins with building a trusting therapeutic relationship between the participant and clinician. Together, they create meaningful healing goals and map out steps to achieve them in a safe, supportive environment. Sessions provide space to explore identity, build self-esteem and confidence, navigate relationship challenges, calm the nervous system and develop emotional regulation skills. Grounded in a strength-based, trauma-informed, and holistic approach, counselling empowers individuals to become the best version of themselves. Along the way, clients learn, practice, and strengthen their own mental health toolkit—equipping them with healthy coping strategies to manage life’s challenges long after therapy ends.

Counselling

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers

Michelle is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSWs) . AMHSW are highly trained professionals who specialize in supporting individuals, families, and communities facing mental health challenges. Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), these practitioners have demonstrated advanced skills in mental health assessment, intervention, and therapeutic support.

AMHSWs work from a person centred, evidenced based perspective, often integrating psychological therapies with a deep understanding of social and environmental factors that affect mental wellbeing.

What Do AMHSWs Do?

AMHSWs provide a wide range of services, including:

  • Strength based and person centered approach.

  • Mental health assessments and treatment planning.

  • Individual, couple, and family counselling.

  • Mental Health Interventions that include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Diaectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and other evidence-based interventions.

  • Support for people living with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction, attachment and behavioural issues and more.

  • Advocacy and coordination with schools, workplaces, GPs, psychiatrists, and community services.

They work in both public and private sectors, including hospitals, community health centres, private practices, and schools.

Qualifications & Accreditation

To become an AMHSW, a social worker must:

  • Hold a recognised social work qualification.

  • Be a full member of the AASW.

  • Have a minimum of two years' post-qualification experience in mental health settings.

  • Demonstrate continuing professional development in mental health practice.

  • Meet rigorous accreditation standards set by the AASW.

This accreditation assures clients and referrers that the social worker has the clinical skills and ethical foundation to provide high-quality mental health care.

Why Choose an AMHSW?

  • Holistic and Tailored care: AMHSWs are trained to develop persona centered treatment plans that address individual needs and goals, always considering their mental health in the context or social, emotional, cultural and environmental factors.

  • Trauma-informed approach: Many AMHSWs are trained in trauma-sensitive care and culturally safe practice.

  • Broad scope of practice: AMHSW have typically worked in various settings (community service, schools, child protection, hospitals etc) and play an important role in multidisplinary teams.

  • Medicare rebates: Clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP may claim rebate for each mental health session (10 per calendar year).Flexible support: Services may be offered face-to-face or online (telehealth).

Claiming a Medicare Rebate for AMHSW Sessions:

Step 1: Book a GP Appointment & discuss your mental health needs

Make an appointment with your regular general practitioner (GP). Let the receptionist know it's for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) so they allocate enough time (usually a long consultation). During your appointment, talk to your GP about what you're experiencing—this may include symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or other concerns. If appropriate, your GP will assess your mental health, and develop a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) (include referral to an AMHSW (Michelle Joseph - Art Room Therapy).

Step 2: Make a referral to Art Room Therapy
This involved completing a online self referral on this website or emailing Michelle directly via michelle@artroomtherapy.com.au

Step 4: Book and attend Your Sessions

Once referral submitted to Michelle, she will respond within 1-3 business days to asses if this service if suitable for you. If suitable, she will book in number of approved sessions on MHCP. You will usually have access to 10 individual mental health sessions per calendar year. Your GP usually provided approval for 6 initial sessions then you will have to return to your GP for a review to attain the 4 remaining.

Step 5: Claim Your Rebate ($85.20 per session)

Depending on each individual’s situation:

  • If bulk billed: You won’t pay anything; Medicare covers the full cost.

  • If privately billed: You pay the full session fee upfront ($200) then claim the Medicare rebate (either on the spot or through your Medicare account).

Step 6: Review with Your GP (if needed)

After your 6th session, your GP will conduct a review to determine if further sessions are needed. If approved, you’ll receive a referral for the remaining 4 sessions.

FAQs

  • An AMHSW is a social worker accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) with specialist training and experience in mental health. They are qualified to provide counselling and psychological support for a range of mental health issues.

  • AMHSWs support people with concerns such as:

    • Anxiety and depression

    • Stress and burnout

    • Grief and loss

    • Trauma and PTSD

    • Relationship or family challenges

    • Life transitions (e.g., work changes, parenting, divorce)

    • Self-esteem and identity concerns

    No issue is too small — if it’s impacting your wellbeing or you just want to work on your self growth, it's worth exploring.

  • No, you can see an AMHSW privately without a referral. However, to claim a Medicare rebate, you’ll need a GP Mental Health Care Plan and a referral.

  • You may be eligible for up to 10 individual counselling sessions per calendar year under Medicare:

    • 6 initial sessions

    • 4 additional sessions after a GP review

  • We offer both in-person (Geelong) and online (Zoom) sessions. We see the power of face to face connection, however we also acknowledge the convenience for online sessions.

  • Counselling sessions with Michelle cost $220, with a medicare rebate of $85.20. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) recommends AMHSW individual sessions to be priced at $289 per hour to reflect the extra work and time frequently involved with each session. Our price carefully considerers the significant experience and skills of Michelle, accessibility and small private practice costs.

  • The first session usually involves:

    • Discussing your reasons for seeking support

    • Exploring your history and goals

    • Creating a collaborative plan for future sessions
      AMHSWs provide a non-judgmental, confidential space and work at your pace.

  • You can continue seeing your AMHSW privately (pay full fee without rebate) beyond the 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions. Alternatively, your practitioner may refer you to other supports or discuss options for extended care.

  • A cancelled appointment is considered late when it’s within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment time, or not attended at all. The first cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment will not be subject to a late cancellation fee. Subsequent late cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment will incur 100% of your appointment cost.

Michelle Joseph

Email michelle@artroomtherapy.com.au

Phone 0439 307 370

Free 15 minute chat available Monday-Saturday

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