If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, you can see either a Psychologist or a Mental Health Social Worker (MHSW). We have both types of practitioners at North Brisbane Psychologists. So what’s the difference?
Both psychologists and MHSWs in Australia are qualified to support people going through mental health challenges, emotional distress, or difficult life transitions. They’re both eligible to provide services that are covered by Medicare and Private Health insurance, making help more affordable and accessible.
Psychologists
Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. They use a range of proven therapies to help people understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Their work often focuses on individual therapy, and they’re especially skilled in understanding how mental health conditions develop and how best to treat them. Psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and follow strict professional guidelines.
Mental Health Social Workers
Accredited MHSWs are social workers with extra training in mental health and counselling. While social workers have historically been associated with child safety concerns, the profession has broadened to include seeing clients with a myriad of presentations. MHSWs are registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Like psychologists, they can provide a range of therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and EMDR. Many are also often trained in couples or family therapy. What sets MHSWs apart is their focus on the bigger picture – they don’t just look at what’s happening inside a person’s mind, they may also consider the social and environmental issues that are affecting someone’s well-being, like housing, finances, relationships, or discrimination. They may combine emotional support with practical help or advocacy, which can be especially useful for people dealing with complex life situations. MHSWs also follow strict professional guidelines.
Both professionals are highly skilled and compassionate, and choosing between them often depends on what kind of support you’re looking for. Often it will matter much more that you fit with your therapist’s personality rather than their title. Both types of therapists can offer highly effective and caring psychotherapy to you. If you want a more clinical focus or a diagnosis, a psychologist might be the right fit. If you’re looking for someone who can also help with practical challenges or broader life issues alongside therapy, a mental health social worker may be a great choice.
Our MHSWs
Check out some of our lovely MHSWs at North Brisbane Psychologists: