Laura Prior is a counsellor and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years' experience working in the areas of mental health, problematic substance use, trauma, relationships, self-awareness, self-esteem and welfare.
Services
Laura provides services for individuals, couples, families and organisations – offering support, practical solutions and strategies to manage life in a more positive way.
Laura works with people who are: feeling overwhelmed and stressed; being held back by anxiety or depression; concerned about their drug and/or alcohol use; or trying to support someone with substance use issues.
“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.”
Shannon L. Alder
What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are social workers who have extensive postgraduate training and experience in the field of mental health.
When should I see an Accredited Mental Health social worker?
An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker can help you when you experience difficulties that impact on your ability to manage the demands of day-to -day life. For example, When you:
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Persistently experience low mood or anxiety.
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Have a relationship breakdown.
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Experience family, friend or workplace conflict.
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Need assistance to re-engage in the workforce after an accident.
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Feel socially isolated.
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Are diagnosed or suspect you have a mental health disorder.
What can an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker do?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers understand mental health issues and disorders. They have the training, skills and expertise to assess your situation and to offer effective treatment to you or someone you know. Some of the treatments provided under Medicare include:
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Cognitive behavioural therapy
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Interpersonal Therapy
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Relaxation training
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Parenting training
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Interpersonal skills training
Other therapies that can be provided are:
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Relationship counselling
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Family therapy
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Bereavement counselling
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Psychotherapy
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can also work as a team with other health professionals from whom you are receiving treatment and support
Will my information be kept confidential?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are bound by a code of ethics, which includes maintaining confidentiality about what you discuss with them. However, there may be exceptional circumstances where an accredited Mental health Social Worker may need to discuss your information with others such as when there is concern about your safety you can talk to your local accredited Mental Health Social Worker about the situations in which your information might be shared.
How do I receive a Medicare rebate?
To receive a Medicare rebate when seeing an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
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Make an appointment to see your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist.
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Take this information with you and ask your GP for a mental health treatment plan and a referral letter, or
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If you are being referred by your psychiatrist or paediatrician, just ask for a referral letter.
