Shannon Edwards Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Shannon Edwards

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Medicare-rebated therapy | Advanced clinical accreditation | Whole-person, evidence-based care

Shannon is a compassionate and highly trained Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) who provides a warm, non-judgmental, and person-centred therapeutic space. She supports adolescents, young people, and adults to feel safe, understood, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

As an AMHSW, Shannon has undertaken advanced clinical training and meets the rigorous national standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). This accreditation is recognised by the Australian Government and reflects a high level of expertise in mental health assessment, formulation, and the delivery of evidence-based psychological therapies.

To obtain this credential, practitioners must demonstrate:

  • A minimum of 2 years (3,360+ hours) of clinical mental health experience

  • Ongoing formal supervision in a mental health setting

  • Advanced competency in assessment, case formulation, and treatment planning

  • The ability to deliver Focused Psychological Strategies (evidence-based therapies)

  • Continued professional development and adherence to national practice standards

This process ensures that Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are highly skilled clinicians, working at an advanced level within the mental health field.

Shannon works with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, identity and self-worth, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. She is particularly passionate about supporting clients in developing a stronger sense of self, improving relationship wellbeing, and navigating complex emotional experiences with clarity and confidence.

Her approach integrates evidence-based therapies within a holistic, person-in-environment framework. This means Shannon not only supports clients with internal emotional processes, but also considers the broader context of their lives, relationships, health, stressors, and life experiences - ensuring therapy is both practical and deeply personalised.

Shannon works collaboratively with clients, valuing transparency, autonomy, and the belief that individuals are the experts in their own lives.

Clinical Approach

What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)?

An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) is a highly qualified allied health professional recognised by Medicare to provide evidence-based psychological therapy under a Mental Health Care Plan.

Accreditation is awarded by the Australian Association of Social Workers and is endorsed by the Australian Government. It signifies that a practitioner has completed advanced clinical training, demonstrated competency in mental health practice, and met strict national standards.

AMHSWs are one of a small group of allied health professionals eligible to deliver Focused Psychological Strategies under Medicare, alongside psychologists and mental health occupational therapists .

A key strength of AMHSWs is their holistic, whole-person approach. Therapy considers not only psychological symptoms, but also the broader factors that influence wellbeing, such as relationships, family systems, physical health, and life circumstances.

This allows for therapy that is both evidence-based and grounded in real-world context, supporting sustainable and meaningful change.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are recognised alongside psychologists and other Medicare-approved providers in delivering evidence-based psychological therapies, with a distinctive focus on understanding the broader life context in which challenges occur.

Areas of clinical focus include:

  • Adolescent and youth mental health (12+)

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Trauma and emotional regulation

  • Self-esteem, identity, and purpose

  • Gender and sexuality

  • Neurodiversity

  • Family, relationship, and parenting concerns

  • Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Attachment-based psychoeducation and skills-based interventions

Initial Session - $240

Subsequent Session - $230

Medicare rebate - $87.25 per session