A common question people have when exploring therapy is whether a social worker can provide therapeutic support. With so many different professionals in the mental health space, it can feel confusing to know who does what. The reassuring answer is that yes, many social workers are trained to offer therapy, and for some clients, a social worker can be the ideal fit.
Social workers bring a calm, compassionate and strengths based approach to therapy. Their training helps them understand not only how a person feels internally, but also what is happening around them in their environment, relationships and support systems. This can make therapy feel more grounded, practical and accessible.
Do Social Workers Provide Therapy
Yes. In Australia, social workers are trained in counselling skills, therapeutic communication, human behaviour, mental health, trauma and systems theory. Many go on to specialise in mental health or family therapy, and some become Accredited Mental Health Social Workers who can offer therapy under Medicare.
Social workers often support people who are experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma responses, identity concerns, uncertainty, relationship difficulties or life changes. Their therapeutic approach tends to be gentle, thoughtful and paced according to the client’s needs. This is especially supportive for people who are neurodivergent, navigating trauma or feeling overwhelmed.
According to Services Australia, mental health support can be provided by several qualified practitioners, including accredited social workers in eligible settings (servicesaustralia.gov.au). Social work therapy is grounded in evidence informed practice, ethical standards and a strong focus on client wellbeing.
Types of Therapy a Social Worker Can Offer
Social workers can offer a range of therapeutic approaches depending on their training, experience and areas of professional development. While some social workers are certified in structured models such as CBT, ACT or play therapy, others specialise in different evidence informed approaches.
The aim is always to work with the client in a way that feels safe, validating and appropriate for their goals. Therapy is not a one size fits all process, and social workers tailor the approach to each person.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, phobias and repetitive thinking patterns. A social worker delivering CBT will move at a pace that aligns with the client’s capacity and emotional safety.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT supports clients to develop psychological flexibility. Instead of trying to remove difficult thoughts or feelings, ACT helps people build skills to live in line with their values. This approach can be especially supportive for neurodivergent people who experience emotional intensity, burnout or masking fatigue.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative therapy style that helps people explore their own motivations, confidence and readiness for change. Instead of pushing someone to change, MI focuses on understanding their values, listening deeply and helping them find their own reasons for moving forward.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a structured therapeutic approach that helps the brain process overwhelming or distressing memories in a safer and more manageable way. It uses gentle bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or taps to support people in reducing the emotional intensity of past experiences and building a stronger sense of internal safety.
Person-centred counselling
This is a warm, collaborative style of therapy that focuses on empathy, acceptance and understanding. Sessions might explore emotions, identity, relationships or life challenges. The client leads the pace and direction.
Trauma-informed therapy
A trauma informed approach recognises how past experiences shape current feelings and behaviours. Social workers focus on safety, grounding skills, emotional regulation and empowerment. Clients are never pushed to share details they are not comfortable discussing.
Strengths-based and solution-focused therapy
These approaches explore what is already working well in a person’s life and how their strengths can support change. They foster confidence, capability and hope, which are important parts of recovery.
Family and systemic therapy
Some social workers are trained to support families, carers or relationships. This might include improving communication, understanding neurodiversity within the family, or working through tension or conflict in a structured and supportive environment.
When to Choose a Social Worker for Therapy
A social worker can be a great choice for therapy if you are looking for support that is both emotional and practical. Many clients appreciate that social workers understand the complexities of everyday life and can help with both inner wellbeing and external challenges.
You might find a social worker a good fit if you want:
A holistic and compassionate therapist
Social workers look at the full picture: your wellbeing, your environment, your relationships and your strengths. This helps therapy feel connected to your real life rather than limited to what happens in the session.
Someone who works neuro-affirmingly
Social workers often work with neurodivergent clients, including autistic people, ADHDers and people with sensory, communication or executive functioning differences. A neuro-affirming approach respects the person’s identity and supports them without pathologising who they are.
Support for trauma or overwhelm
Social workers are trained in trauma informed care. This means therapy prioritises emotional safety, stabilisation and empowerment.
Therapy plus practical help
A social worker can support you with emotional wellbeing while also assisting with practical pathways. This may include NDIS processes, navigating healthcare or education systems, connecting to local supports, advocating on your behalf, or helping reduce external stressors that impact mental health.
Cost-effective and accessible options
Some social workers offer NDIS funded therapy, community based support or private practice sessions without long waitlists. This can make therapy more accessible.
Social Worker vs Psychologist: Key Differences
Both social workers and psychologists can provide therapy, but their training and focus areas differ.
Training
- Psychologists complete specialised training in human development, mental health assessment, diagnosis and research.
- Social workers study mental health, counselling, trauma, advocacy, community development and social systems.
Focus
- Psychologists often focus on clinical assessment and structured intervention alongside therapeutic approaches.
- Social workers combine therapy with an understanding of family systems, social factors, community context and practical supports.
Rebates
- Psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can provide Medicare-rebated therapy.
- General Social Workers cannot, although they may offer other accessible service pathways.
When a Social Worker may be the right choice
If you want a therapist who understands both your emotions and the systems and structures around you, a social worker may feel more aligned. Social workers are trained to see people in context, which can feel validating and grounding. They offer evidence-informed therapeutic support, grounded in compassion, collaboration and a strengths-based perspective. Their holistic approach helps people feel heard, understood and supported in both their inner world and their day-to-day life.
If you are looking for a warm, neuro-affirming and trauma-informed therapist, you are welcome to reach out.