How do I become a mental health social worker
Get qualified to work as a mental health social worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Mental Health Social Worker.
Common questions
Generally, salaries range from approximately $1,400 to $2,300 per week. For instance, full-time positions can offer annual salaries from $79,051 to $119,823 or even higher, with some listings indicating a pay range of $97,000 to $101,000 per year. This translates roughly to a weekly salary of about $1,515 to $2,150, including superannuation.
Courses.com.au Team
There are 35,000 social workers currently employed in Australia, some of these are Mental Health Social Workers. This is a growth occupation and job opportunities are expected to increase by more than 23% over the next 3-5 years.
Courses.com.au Team
To become a Mental Health Social Worker you will need to complete a Bachelor of Social Work as well as the mental health credential training through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). If you hold a degree in another discipline, you can launch your career change with the Master of Social Work.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Diploma of Mental Health?
13th January 2021
What can you do with a Certificate IV in Mental Health?
28th October 2019Mental Health Social Worker careers
Mental Health Social Workers are registered social workers who specialise in mental health interventions, counselling, psychoeducation, and therapeutic group work. They have completed specialist training in mental health practice through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and help their clients heal and recover from mental illness and trauma.
As a Mental Health Social Worker you could be carrying out casework at an indigenous community, helping a client manage daily stresses and anxiety so they can find long-term employment, supporting a homeless client with mental health issues, leading group therapy sessions for young people with addictions, or just taking some time-out for self-care and rejuvination.
