Frequently Asked Questions

AMHSW is a highly trained mental health professional recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for advanced skills in assessment, counselling, and evidence‑based therapeutic support. AMHSWs provide trauma‑informed, holistic care that considers a person’s emotional, social, cultural, and environmental context.

AMHSWs support children, adolescents, adults, and families with concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, neurodiversity, and life transitions. Their approach is collaborative, strengths‑based, and grounded in current research.

AMHSWs are recognised service provider for Medicare and Department of Veterans' Affairs, meaning clients may be eligible for rebates through a Mental Health Treatment Plan/DVA referral from their GP. They are also recognised service provider for many private health insurers and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Support is available in person in the Huon Valley, Southern Tasmania, as well as Australia‑wide through telehealth counselling.

When someone works with an AMHSW, they’re getting support from a highly trained mental health professional who understands both the emotional and practical sides of life. Their role in the counselling space includes:

Conducting mental health screening and assessment

An AMHSW helps people make sense of what they’re experiencing. This might involve exploring symptoms, stressors, strengths, and the bigger picture of someone’s life. It’s all done in a calm, supportive way.

Providing evidence‑based therapeutic support

Counselling may include approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness‑based strategies, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy. These therapies are chosen and adapted to suit each person’s needs and goals.

Support for a wide range of concerns

AMHSWs regularly work with people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, neurodiversity‑related challenges, and life transitions. The focus is on helping clients feel understood, supported, and equipped with practical tools.

Collaborative goal‑setting and personalised plans

Counselling is shaped around what matters most to the client. Goals are set together, and the plan evolves as the person’s needs change. It’s flexible, respectful, and centred on the client’s values.

A safe, non‑judgemental space

Above all, an AMHSW offers a warm, confidential environment where people can talk openly, explore their experiences, and feel genuinely heard. It’s a space designed for comfort, clarity, and emotional safety.

AMHSWs bring a holistic, social‑emotional perspective to mental health care. Therapy looks beyond internal experiences and considers the social, cultural, environmental, and relational factors that shape a person’s wellbeing. This creates a warm, practical, and down‑to‑earth approach that fits real life.

This holistic style of counselling is also accessible through telehealth, making it easier for people across Tasmania and Australia to receive support that feels personal, grounded, and genuinely connected to their everyday experiences.

These are the signs you might benefit from counselling:

• Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unable to cope with daily life

• Experiencing grief, loss, or major life changes

• Struggling with anxiety, depression, or persistent low mood

• Finding relationships difficult or feeling isolated

• Noticing changes in sleep, appetite, or motivation

• Feeling “stuck” or unsure how to move forward

If you are unsure, the first step is starting by reaching out to a counsellor for an initial conversation. This is a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, and see if it feels like a good fit.

You don’t need to have all the answers before starting. Counselling can help you explore your feelings, clarify your concerns, and discover new perspectives.

Many people seek support early, when challenges are just beginning or when they want to build resilience. Think of it as a proactive step toward wellbeing, not a last resort.

Counselling is different for everyone, but many people say they feel:

• More understood and supported

• Clearer about their thoughts, feelings, and choices

• Better able to cope with stress, grief, or change

• More confident in relationships and communication

• More connected to their values and goals

You might not get instant answers, but you’ll have a safe space to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.

No. Counselling supports a wide range of needs from navigating workplace challenges and family dynamics to exploring identity, values, and personal growth.

Yes, your privacy is deeply respected. Everything you share in counselling is kept confidential, unless there’s a legal or safety reason to share information (for example, if someone is at serious risk of harm).

We’ll always explain these limits clearly, and we’ll talk through any concerns together. You’re in safe hands.

There’s no set number. It depends on your needs and goals. Some people find a few sessions are enough to gain clarity or learn new coping tools. Others prefer longer‑term support to work through deeper issues or ongoing challenges.

At your first appointment, we’ll talk about what you’d like to achieve and agree on a plan together. You’re always free to review and adjust the number of sessions as we go.

Counselling is flexible. You decide what feels right for you, with guidance and support along the way.

We provide counselling to children under 14 years old, adults and older persons.

A Mental Health Care Plan gives you access to subsidised counselling through Medicare. You get rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year （1st January-31st December）, but you may still pay a gap depending on your provider’s fees.

Typically: 6 sessions first → GP review → up to 4 more sessions.

Please note: You can claim a rebate through either Medicare or your private health fund — but not for the same session. Be aware that neither Medicare nor private health funds cover any “gap” fees, so you may have an out‑of‑pocket cost if your provider’s fee is higher than the rebate.

Private health funds can reduce counselling costs if you have extras cover. Rebates vary by insurer and policy. Mindknit Counselling is currently registered and recognised with the following insurers:

• Bupa

• St. Lukes Health

• Doctor's Health Fund

• Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG)

  Teachers' Union Health Fund

• Medibank Private

  Phoenix Health Fund

• HCF

If you have a different private health fund, we can also provide you with a receipt to claim your private health rebate.

Please note: You can claim a rebate through either Medicare or your private health fund — but not for the same session. Be aware that neither Medicare nor private health funds cover any “gap” fees, so you may have an out‑of‑pocket cost if your provider’s fee is higher than the rebate.

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes things come up that prevent you from attending your appointment. To ensure fairness to both our team and other clients waiting for sessions, we have a simple cancellation and rescheduling policy:

• 24 hours’ notice is required if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

• No-shows (when a client does not attend without notice) and late cancellation will incur a fee.

This policy helps us provide the best possible care to everyone, including those on our waiting list. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

We offer onsite parking, though spaces are limited. Additional 2‑hour parking is available within a short walking distance. The office is accessible for people with mobility issues.