Counselling is a collaborative process that begins with building a trusting therapeutic relationship between the participant and clinician. Together, we create meaningful healing goals and map out steps to achieve them in a safe, supportive environment. Our 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, our therapy empowers individuals to become the best version of themselves. Along the way, participants explore behavioural and psychological patterns and strengthen their own mental health toolkit—equipping them with healthy coping strategies to manage life’s challenges long after therapy ends.
Clinical
Counselling
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers
Michelle is a Masters qualified Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSWs) . AMHSW are highly trained professionals who specialise 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.
Qualifications & Accreditation
An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) is a social worker whose specialist mental health skills have been assessed and credentialed by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). To gain this accreditation, a social worker must:
Hold a degree from an AASW-accredited social work program.
Be a current member of the AASW.
Have at least two years’ full-time equivalent post-qualifying experience in a mental health setting.
Have completed at least two years of formal clinical supervision in mental health practice.
Demonstrate specialist clinical knowledge through case study assessment against the AASW Practice Standards for Mental Health Social Workers, with skills verified by referees.
Meet ongoing professional development and supervision requirements each year to keep the accreditation.
This accreditation assures clients and referrers that their social worker has the clinical skills, experience and ethical foundation to provide high-quality mental health care.
What Do AMHSWs Do?
AMHSWs provide a wide range of services, including:
Mental health assessments and treatment planning.
Individual, couple and family counselling.
Evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Support for people living with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction, attachment and behavioural concerns, and more.
Advocacy and coordination with schools, workplaces, GPs, psychiatrists and community services.
Why Choose An AMHSW?
Holistic, tailored care: Person-centred, strengths-based treatment plans built around your needs and goals, considering your mental health in the context of social, emotional, cultural and environmental factors.
Trauma-informed approach: Care that is trauma-sensitive and culturally safe.
Broad experience: AMHSWs have typically worked across hospitals, community health, schools, child protection and private practice, and play an important role in multidisciplinary teams.
Medicare rebates: With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, or a referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician, you may be able to claim a rebate for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
Flexible support: Sessions are available face-to-face or online via telehealth.
How Is an AMHSW Different from a Psychologist?
Both AMHSWs and psychologists are recognised by Medicare to provide evidence-based therapy under the Better Access initiative. Clients can access the same number of sessions with either, using a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP.
The main difference is in training and focus:
Psychologists train in psychology, with a focus on human behaviour, cognition and psychological assessment. This includes formal testing such as cognitive or diagnostic assessments.
AMHSWs train in social work, with a focus on the person in their environment. Alongside therapy, they consider how relationships, family, culture, work, housing and wider systems affect mental health, and can help people navigate those systems.
With a background in both psychology and social work, I bring both perspectives to my practice.
Many people find that an AMHSW suits them when they want therapy that also considers the bigger picture of their life. If you need formal psychological testing, a psychologist may be the right fit, and I’m happy to help you work out what’s best for you.
Claiming a Medicare Rebate for AMHSW Sessions
Step 1: See your GP
Book a long appointment with your usual GP and let the receptionist know it’s for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (sometimes called a Mental Health Care Plan). Your GP will talk with you about what you’re experiencing and, if appropriate, prepare a plan and referral. Ask for the referral to be addressed to Michelle Joseph, AMHSW (Art Room Therapy).
Step 2: Send your referral
Complete the online referral form on this website, or email your referral to michelle@artroomtherapy.com.au.
Step 3: Book your sessions
Michelle will respond within 1–3 business days to discuss whether the service is a good fit for you, then book your sessions.
Step 4: Claim your rebate
Medicare provides a rebate of $89.50 per session (50+ minutes).
Private fee: $220 per session. You pay the full fee upfront, then claim the rebate (on the spot / through your Medicare account or the Express Plus Medicare app), leaving an out-of-pocket cost of $130.50.
Bulk billing: No fee charged, only the rebate claimed. Availability is assessed based on individual’s situation
Step 5: GP review
Your plan covers up to 6 sessions to start. After your 6th session, Michelle will send your GP a letter summarising your progress. Your GP will then review your plan and, if further sessions are needed, refer you for up to 4 more.
You can claim up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
FAQs
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Private, Medicare Mental Health Care Plan, NDIS (Capacity Building - Improve Daily Living), Disability services, Family services, Aboriginal and Cultural services, Family Violence services, EAP, Some Private Insurance including Bupa, HCF, Medibank, Teachers Health.
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Absolutely! We can bring in art therapy and sensory play as therapeutic modalities into our sessions.
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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. Michelle comes with a master of social work and 8 years of professional experience as a social worker predominantly focused in areas of mental health, safeguarding and family violence.
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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.
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No, you can see Michelle (AMHSW) privately without a referral. However, to claim a Medicare rebate, you’ll need a GP Mental Health Care Plan which will need to be sent to the AMHSW.
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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
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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.
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Counselling sessions with Michelle cost $220, with a medicare rebate of $87.25. 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.
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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.
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You can continue seeing Michelle (AMHSW) privately (pay full fee without rebate) beyond the 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions. If you have any concerns relating to the cost, Michelle will do her best to accommodate with the individual and/or family. Alternatively, your practitioner may refer you to other supports or discuss options for extended care.
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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
Call 0494 823 750
Free 15 minute chat Tuesday & Saturday