Meet your therapist….
Mel Walker
Mental Health Accredited Social Worker
Hello and Welcome!
My name is Mel, founder of the Anxiety and Wellness Clinic, based in Adelaide. I am a Mental Health Accredited Social Worker and am registered through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). I have a bachelors degree in both Social Work and International Relations.
I have over 10 years experience working with children, teenagers and their families and seven years experience working in various adult and youth mental health services. I currently work in both private practice and at the University of Adelaide as a Student Counsellor.
In my early 20's I experienced multiple episodes of extreme anxiety. It was this lived experience and my recovery journey that fueled my passion for working in the field of mental health and for working in partnership with people to build their mental, emotional, physical and social wellbeing. I specialise in anxiety and stress but also have a special interest in trauma, depression and peri-natal mental wellbeing. I can support youth and adults from the age of 12+.
What is a Mental Health Accredited Social Worker?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are recognised providers with Medicare Australia and other programs, delivering clinical social work services in mental health settings and utilising a range of evidence-based strategies.
AMHSWs work with people across the lifespan (including children, adults and older persons) and provide a unique contribution to the mental health space in their holistic approach to working with a person.
The advanced training that is expected of AMHSW prepares and provides them with the skills for working with people with very complex presentations and co-morbidities. AMHSWs are highly trained and educated professionals, meeting some of the highest standards of professional regulation in Australia.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers have a breadth of experience in assessing and treating people who have mental health disorders … They help individuals to resolve presenting psychological problems, the associated social and other environmental problems, and improve their quality of life … Like other allied health professionals, such as psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers use a range of interventions and focused psychological strategies.
- AASW 2021, Mental Health Accredited Social Workers, viewed 01/11/21, <https://www.aasw.asn.au/information-for-the-community/accredited-mental-health-social-workers>
