Mel Walker
Mental Health Accredited Social Worker
Hello and Welcome!
My name is Mel, founder of the Anxiety and Wellness Clinic, based in Hove, South Australia. I am a Mental Health Accredited Social Worker, registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), and hold bachelor’s degrees in both Social Work and International Relations.
I have over 10 years of experience working across adult and youth mental health services. Today, I balance my work in private practice with being a mum to my two daughters.
In my early 20s, I experienced several episodes of severe anxiety. This lived experience and my own recovery journey, shaped my passion for supporting others in their mental health and wellbeing. I work collaboratively with people to strengthen their emotional, psychological, physical, and social wellbeing.
I specialise in anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, stress, and nervous system regulation, with a special interest in trauma, depression, and peri-natal mental health. I support both adolescents and adults (12+).
My approach is holistic, compassionate, and client-centred. I integrate evidence-based therapies with deep respect for your unique story and pace. My goal is to create a safe, nurturing space where you feel heard, understood, and supported to make meaningful, lasting change.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travelling, and being in nature - especially hiking and camping. I also enjoy mindfulness, meditation, black and white film photography, and reading sci-fi and fantasy. These practices help me stay grounded and support my own wellbeing.
What is a Mental Health Accredited Social Worker?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are recognised providers with Medicare Australia and other programs, delivering clinical social work services in mental health settings and utilising a range of evidence-based strategies.
AMHSWs work with people across the lifespan (including children, adults and older persons) and provide a unique contribution to the mental health space in their holistic approach to working with a person.
The advanced training that is expected of AMHSW prepares and provides them with the skills for working with people with very complex presentations and co-morbidities. AMHSWs are highly trained and educated professionals, meeting some of the highest standards of professional regulation in Australia.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers have a breadth of experience in assessing and treating people who have mental health disorders … They help individuals to resolve presenting psychological problems, the associated social and other environmental problems, and improve their quality of life … Like other allied health professionals, such as psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers use a range of interventions and focused psychological strategies.
- AASW 2021, Mental Health Accredited Social Workers, viewed 01/11/21, <https://www.aasw.asn.au/information-for-the-community/accredited-mental-health-social-workers>
The Anxiety and Wellness Clinic acknowledges the Kaurna people as the custodians of the lands and waters of the Adelaide region. We pay respect to elders past, present, and emerging. We acknowledge and respect the Kaurna people’s emotional, physical, and spiritual connection with their country and communities.
The Anxiety and Wellness Clinic also celebrates diversity in our community and aims to provide an inclusive space for the LGBTQA+ and Intersex community. We also strive to offer a disability-friendly service.