Chinese-speaking mental health social workers in Sydney
Mental health social workers offer counselling for emotional difficulties, anxiety, family relationships and adjusting to change — and look at practical things like family, work and money alongside.
Qualified local care, for less
Mental health social worker: roughly how much your cover can save
We list local providers who accept private health cover and whose registration you can check, with prices, how to claim and languages spoken. You compare and choose, without paying more than you need to.
| Service | Typical fee | Save about |
|---|---|---|
| Mental health social workerper visit | $200 | $50–80 |
Private health rebate + provider's own pricing · Estimated for a typical mid-level Extras policy and provider prices; your policy and provider decide the actual amount · Updated October 2026
- Only providers who accept private health cover, with registration you can check
- See prices and how to claim before you book
- You compare and choose; we don't recommend
ExtrasMate is not a medical provider. We don't diagnose or recommend specific practitioners or treatments; we organise and show information so you can choose for yourself. The savings come from your private health rebate and the provider's own pricing, not from coupons we issue.
What is a mental health social worker?
A mental health social worker has a social work degree, at least two years' experience in mental health, and is credentialed by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Social workers aren't registered with Ahpra.
What a mental health social worker does
- Assess mental health and life circumstances
- Counselling using approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Help connect you with community, housing and financial support
How they differ from similar roles
Psychologists are Ahpra-registered and train more specifically in psychological assessment and therapy. Counsellors are registered with professional bodies and usually can't be claimed on Medicare. Like psychologists, AASW-accredited mental health social workers can be seen under a Medicare mental health plan.
When to see a mental health social worker
- Low mood, anxiety or stress
- Strain in family relationships
- A hard life event, or trouble settling into a new place
How Extras usually pays
Typical price $180–$280; Extras typically pays $40–$90 (per 50-minute session).
（Estimate only — your insurer has the final say）
Some insurers cover AASW-accredited mental health social workers under a mental health limit, with part back each session — check your policy. You can't claim the same session from both Medicare and Extras.
Prices and rebates for Mental healthQualifications and registration
Social workers aren't Ahpra-registered. Look for an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker credentialed by the AASW — Medicare and insurers that cover them usually require this.
Good to know
- If you're in danger or thinking of harming yourself, call 000 now, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, an accredited mental health social worker can bill Medicare (Better Access) for part of the cost.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Please follow your practitioner's professional advice about treatment.
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