Accredited Mental Health Social Worker on the Gold Coast: How They’re Different & How They Can Help

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers Gold Coast (AMHSWs) are university-qualified mental health professionals trained to assess, treat, and support a wide range of mental health conditions. Using a person-centred and trauma-informed approach, they consider not only psychological symptoms but also the social, emotional, cultural, and environmental factors that affect wellbeing.

AMHSWs provide counselling, therapy, and psychosocial support to people of all ages, and are eligible to deliver Medicare-rebate services with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. They are also recognised as providers under the NDIS, working with participants funded for Capability Development Supports – Psychological Services.

Supporting Assessment and Diagnosis Pathways

While AMHSWs do not conduct formal psychometric testing (such as IQ tests or cognitive assessments typically done by psychologists), they play a key role in the early identification and assessment of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions such as:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions

• Emotional and behavioural difficulties

  
  

AMHSWs are qualified to undertake a range of assessments, including:

• Comprehensive psychosocial assessments

• Functional assessments to explore how mental health or neurodivergence impacts daily life

• Behavioural observations across different settings (e.g. home, school, community)

• Developmental and family history reviews

• Mental health screening tools and structured clinical interviews

These assessments contribute to a provisional formulation or working diagnosis, which can be used to support referrals to psychologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists for formal diagnosis when required. AMHSWs frequently collaborate with these professionals as part of a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring that all relevant context and observations are considered.

AMHSWs vs Psychologists – What's the Difference?

While both AMHSWs and psychologists are trained in mental health support in the Gold Coast, they bring different (and complementary) perspectives:

AMHSWs	Psychologists
Focus on psychosocial and emotional wellbeing	Focus on psychological functioning and cognition
Provide therapy, behavioural and functional assessments, and ongoing support	Conduct formal diagnostic and cognitive testing (e.g., IQ, ADHD testing)
Assess impact of trauma, relationships, environment, and systemic issues	Use standardised psychological tests to inform diagnosis
Can offer provisional formulations/diagnosis used for formal diagnoses	Can make formal clinical diagnoses (e.g. ASD, ADHD)
Work under Medicare and NDIS	Work under Medicare and NDIS

AMHSWs are particularly well-suited for individuals and families navigating complex emotional, behavioural, or social challenges—offering therapy, advocacy, and practical support across all life domains.

NDIS Services – Psychological Supports in the Gold Coast

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are approved providers of Psychological Supports under the NDIS. This means they can work with both plan-managed and self-managed participants to deliver therapeutic services, including:

• Emotional regulation and coping skills

• Support with social communication and relationships

• Assistance with trauma, anxiety, or behavioural challenges

• Building routines, independence, and resilience

• Functional assessments to support NDIS goals or reviews

  
  

Their approach is flexible, practical, and tailored to meet the participant's goals and NDIS plan outcomes.

Working Together for Better Mental Health in The Gold Coast

AMHSWs bring deep clinical skill, compassion, and a commitment to seeing the whole person—not just the diagnosis. Whether you're looking for mental health support, assistance with navigating the diagnostic process, or ongoing therapeutic intervention through Medicare or the NDIS, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker can help.

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Goldy Albu is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with a strong passion for supporting neurodivergent adults and teens, as well as individuals navigating trauma, chronic stress, and complex life circumstances.

Her work is deeply informed by lived experience — she is neurodivergent herself, a parent to a neurodiverse child, and someone managing a chronic medical condition and her own trauma history. This personal insight allows her to bring exceptional empathy, patience, and authenticity to her therapeutic relationships.

Goldy uses an integrative, neuroaffirming approach that includes EMDR, CBT, DBT-informed skills, ACT, CPT, mindfulness, and practical emotional-regulation strategies. She is known for offering realistic, actionable tools that help clients manage daily life stressors, improve emotional regulation, and address addictive or compulsive behaviour patterns in a supportive and non-judgmental way.

Clients often describe feeling genuinely “seen” and understood in sessions with Goldy. She has a natural ability to identify underlying patterns, recognise strengths beneath challenges, and create a safe, collaborative environment where clients can unmask, reflect, and grow at their own pace. Her therapeutic goal is to help people move from survival mode toward clarity, self-understanding, and a renewed sense of possibility.

If you are interested in learning more about working with Goldy, our accredited mental health support worker in the Gold Coast - please contact us by clicking HERE.