What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)?

Eric Rangel Oliveira is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW).

AASW Profile: https://my.aasw.asn.au/s/social-worker-detail-page?swId=SW-00022396

AMHSWs are mental health specialists who support people across the entire continuum of mental health issues through prevention, early intervention, and treatment. They are qualified social workers (accredited by AASW and recognised by the Australian Government) with specialist mental health expertise. They support individuals with mild to complex mental health issues, assessing and treating mental health issues in the following ways:

AMHSWs provide counselling, therapy, and support for individuals, families, and groups with mental health issues.
They work in settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, and community agencies, and may offer case management services.
AMHSWs can also work in private practice, offering individual, couples, family, and group therapy.
They support clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems through assessment and focused psychological strategies and other evidence-based psychosocial interventions.
They can specialise in specific age groups (children, adolescents, adults) or populations (e.g., veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with addiction).
AMHSWs use evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy, and EMDR, tailoring the approach to client needs.
They have preferred therapeutic modalities based on personal values and client needs, often stated in their bio.
AMHSWs adopt a holistic, psycho-social approach, seeing clients within their broader life context.
Their therapeutic relationships are collaborative, focusing on partnership rather than the therapist being the "expert."
They collaborate with other healthcare professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, primary care providers) to develop tailored treatment plans.
AMHSWs are essential in helping individuals and communities manage mental health issues and improve well-being.

How much does a session cost?

The fees for individual sessions are $195.00.

This is below the AASW Service Recommended fees for Casework/individual hourly sessions, which is $270 per hour.

With a Mental Health Care Plan provided by your doctor (e.g. GP), you are entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 telehealth sessions per calendar year.

The current rebate for a 60-minute consultation ranges from $85.00 to $85.20.

Concession fee is available (please, contact ERTC via email for further information)

What is the duration of the sessions?

The Individual counselling sessions have 60 minutes duration.

Are the sessions confidential?

AMHSWs must comply with the AASW code of ethics, practice standards, and relevant Australian Commonwealth, State and Territory laws regarding privacy, confidentiality and consent. Further details regarding our privacy and confidentiality policy will be provided during your initial appointment.

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a referral to access psychotherapy or counselling with us. However, you require referral (Mental Health Care Plan) from your GP, if you would like to receive a Medicare Rebate.

What should I expect during the initial session?

The first session is a time for your therapist to get to know you (and vice versa), explain how our practice works, enquire about your background and offer you the opportunity to raise any concerns or queries you might have.