What is a Mental Health Social Worker? Why Perth Families Choose Lifeward

If you have been searching for mental health support in Rockingham, you may have come across the term "Accredited Mental Health Social Worker" and wondered what it means. At Lifeward Family Therapy, Natasha Pekic holds this qualification and provides Medicare-rebated individual and family therapy sessions from our Rockingham practice. This article explains exactly what an AMHSW is, how the role differs from a psychologist, and why so many Perth families choose Lifeward for their mental health care.

Mental health support looks different for every person and every family. For some, the right fit is a psychiatrist or psychologist. For many others, particularly those dealing with family dynamics, relational stress, or the intersection of social and psychological challenges, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker offers a deeply effective, accessible, and Medicare-supported pathway to care.

Lifeward is located at Unit 5/11 Robinson Road, Rockingham WA 6168, serving individuals and families from Rockingham, Safety Bay, Warnbro, Secret Harbour, Baldivis, and across the southern Perth suburbs.

What is an AMHSW?

An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) is a social worker who has met the rigorous accreditation standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). To achieve AMHSW status, a practitioner must hold an AASW-accredited social work degree, complete a minimum of two years of supervised post-graduate experience in mental health settings, and demonstrate ongoing professional development and ethical practice.

Social workers have long been central to Australia's mental health system, yet the AMHSW credential specifically recognises those with advanced expertise in mental health assessment, diagnosis-informed practice, and evidence-based psychological therapies. AMHSWs are trained to understand the full context of a person's life, including the social, relational, cultural, and environmental factors that shape mental health and well-being.

This holistic, person-in-environment perspective is one of the defining strengths of the social work approach. Where other mental health disciplines may focus primarily on symptom management or cognitive processes, an AMHSW considers the whole picture: family dynamics, housing, cultural background, trauma history, social connection, and the systems a person moves through every day.

AASW Registration and Professional Standards

Natasha Pekic is registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers and holds current AMHSW accreditation. This means she is bound by the AASW Code of Ethics, engages in regular professional development, and works within a framework of peer supervision and accountability. Her practice at Lifeward meets the standards required for participation in the Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme under Medicare.

AMHSW vs Psychologist: What is the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions families ask when beginning their search for mental health support. Both AMHSWs and psychologists provide evidence-based psychological therapies and are approved Better Access providers under Medicare. However, there are meaningful differences in their training, approach, and scope of practice.

Training Pathways

Psychologists complete an undergraduate degree in psychology, followed by an honours year and typically a two-year master's or doctorate in clinical, counselling, or forensic psychology. Their training is grounded in psychological theory, assessment, and research methodology, with a strong focus on individual cognition, behaviour, and mental health diagnosis.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers complete an AASW-accredited social work degree (which incorporates human development, social theory, policy, and systemic thinking), followed by supervised post-graduate experience specifically in mental health settings. Social work training emphasises the relational and contextual nature of human experience, making AMHSWs particularly well-suited to working with families, couples, and individuals whose mental health challenges are deeply connected to their social environment.

Scope of Practice

• Both provide individual therapy, are approved Medicare Better Access providers, and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and trauma-informed practice.
• Psychologists can conduct formal psychological assessments and testing, which is required for some diagnostic processes.
• AMHSWs bring a systems and relational lens that makes them especially effective in family therapy, co-parenting work, and situations where social context is a significant factor in the presenting difficulty.

For most families and individuals seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, family conflict, grief, or life transitions, both AMHSWs and psychologists offer equally effective care. The right choice often comes down to fit, availability, and the specific nature of your needs. If you are unsure, we welcome you to call us on 08 9500 2609 to discuss whether Lifeward is the right match for your situation.

Medicare and Better Access: How Rebates Work

One of the most significant advantages of seeing an AMHSW is access to Medicare rebates under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. This federal scheme was introduced to make evidence-based psychological therapies more affordable for Australians, and AMHSWs are one of the approved provider types under the scheme.

How to Access Your Medicare Rebate

1. Visit your GP: Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This is a structured plan that your GP develops with you to address your mental health needs. It does not require a formal mental health diagnosis, and many GPs are familiar with the process.
2. Receive your referral: Your GP will provide a referral letter addressed to Natasha Pekic (AMHSW) at Lifeward. This referral, combined with your MHTP, entitles you to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
3. Book your sessions: Contact Lifeward via our online bookings page or by calling 08 9500 2609. Sessions are 50 minutes in duration.
4. Claim your rebate: After each session, Medicare rebates are processed through your Medicare card. The rebate amount is set by the federal government and is updated periodically.

For a comprehensive guide to how Medicare rebates work at Lifeward, including current rebate amounts and frequently asked questions, visit our Medicare and Family Therapy page.

Do I Need a Referral?

A GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates, but it is not required to book a session at Lifeward. Many clients prefer to self-refer, pay the full session fee, and arrange a GP referral at a later point. If you are unsure how to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan, our reception team can guide you through the process.

What Natasha Offers at Lifeward

Natasha Pekic founded Lifeward Family Therapy with a clear purpose: to provide compassionate, skilled, evidence-based therapy to individuals, couples, and families in Rockingham and the broader Perth region. As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Natasha brings a warm, non-judgemental therapeutic style alongside a rigorous professional foundation.

Therapeutic Approaches

Natasha works integratively, drawing from a range of evidence-based frameworks including:

• Narrative therapy — exploring and reshaping the stories people hold about themselves and their relationships
• Attachment-informed practice — understanding how early relational experiences shape present-day emotional patterns
• Systemic and family systems therapy — working with the relational and structural dynamics of families
• Trauma-informed care — recognising the impact of trauma on mental health and adapting therapeutic practice accordingly
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) principles — supporting emotional attunement and secure attachment in relationships

Services Available at Lifeward

• Individual therapy for adults
• Family therapy sessions
• Couples and relationship counselling
• Child and adolescent therapy
• Co-parenting support
• Grief and loss counselling
• Anxiety and depression support
• Telehealth sessions available

You can learn more about our full range of services on our family therapy page, or explore what to expect at your first session if you are considering making a booking.

Who Can Benefit from Seeing an AMHSW?

An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker can support a wide range of people and presentations. The social work training that underpins the AMHSW qualification means that Natasha is particularly well equipped to work with individuals and families navigating complex, multi-layered situations.

You may benefit from seeing Natasha at Lifeward if you are:

• An individual experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or emotional overwhelm
• A parent or family experiencing conflict, communication difficulties, or parenting stress
• A couple navigating relationship challenges, including communication breakdown, intimacy difficulties, or the aftermath of a significant event
• A young person or family dealing with child or adolescent behavioural challenges
• A separated or divorcing couple requiring co-parenting support
• Someone processing grief, loss, or significant life change
• An individual or family from a culturally or linguistically diverse background seeking culturally responsive care
• Anyone who has found other therapeutic approaches have not fully addressed the relational or contextual aspects of their challenges

There is no single "type" of person who benefits from therapy. If you are experiencing distress, difficulty, or a sense that something in your life or relationships is not working, reaching out is a meaningful first step.

Getting Started at Lifeward

Beginning therapy can feel like a significant step, and Natasha understands that reaching out takes courage. The process at Lifeward is designed to be as straightforward and welcoming as possible.

Step 1: Make Contact

Call us on 08 9500 2609 or use our online bookings page to request an initial appointment. Our reception team is friendly, confidential, and happy to answer any questions before you commit to a booking.

Step 2: Your First Session

Your first appointment is primarily an assessment. Natasha will take time to understand your situation, your goals for therapy, and what has brought you to seek support at this point. There is no pressure, and the session moves at your pace. You can also read more about what to expect at your first session on our website.

Step 3: Your GP Referral (if accessing Medicare)

If you would like to access Medicare rebates, book an appointment with your GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) with a referral to Natasha Pekic at Lifeward. This can be done before or after your first session. If your GP is unfamiliar with the process, our team can provide guidance.

Telehealth Available

Lifeward offers telehealth sessions for clients who cannot attend in person, including those with work commitments, caring responsibilities, or who live further afield. Telehealth is available via a secure video platform and is suitable for most types of therapeutic work.

Lifeward is located at Unit 5/11 Robinson Road, Rockingham WA 6168, and is easily accessible from across the southern Perth suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions