Licensing Program

The Regulated and Licensed Membership Category is designed for mental health practitioners who meet the required qualifications and adhere to professional standards set by IAAMHP. This category includes:

1. AHPRA-Registered Health Practitioners (Regulated)

2. IAAMHP-Accredited Mental Health Worker Registrar (Pursuing the Internship under 4+1 Licensing Pathway)
   (Qualified Mental Health Workers working towards full IAAMHP accreditation through supervised practice and training programs)

3. IAAMHP-Accredited Mental Health Worker (4+1 Licensing Pathway)

4. IAAMHP-Accredited Clinical Mental Health Worker Registrar (Pursuing the Internship under 4+2 or 5+1 Licensing Pathway)
   (Clinical Mental Health Workers working towards full IAAMHP accreditation through supervised practice and training programs)

5. IAAMHP-Accredited Clinical Mental Health Worker (5+2 or 6+1 Licensing Pathway)

6. IAAMHP-Accredited Allied Mental Health Worker Registrar (Pursuing the Internship under 3 (AQF 7) or 2 (AQF 8) + 1 Licensing Pathway)

7. IAAMHP-Accredited Allied Mental Health Worker (3 (AQF 7) or 2 (AQF 8) + 1 Licensing Pathway)

This category ensures that professionals meet the necessary regulatory and practice standards for mental health work in Australia.

IAAMHP’s policies aim to align closely with those outlined by Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA). According to AHPA:
“For self-regulating allied health professions, the accreditation process is managed by the relevant professional peak body. These associations perform functions similar to AHPRA, including certifying qualifications, maintaining standards, and overseeing professional development. Accreditation by the peak body is typically required by Medicare, the NDIS, private health insurers, and other funders.”
(AHPA – Allied Health Regulation)

Although applicants may fall within the allied health workforce as defined by AHPA, affiliation with AHPA or its member organisations is not required in order to practise in the mental health or allied mental health professions in Australia. IAAMHP’s independent membership process remains guided by national benchmarks.

IAAMHP seeks to become a recognised peak body for accredited mental health workers in Australia, focusing on advocating for access to Medicare, NDIS, private health insurers, and other national funding systems on behalf of its full members, in line with similar professions.

1. Full Member and Fellow: AHPRA-Regulated Mental Health Practitioners

This membership category applies to health professionals registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who are specifically qualified to provide mental health services.

According to AHPRA, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency works in partnership with the National Boards to ensure that Australia’s registered health practitioners are suitably trained, qualified, and safe to practise. Public safety is the core priority. Registration with AHPRA is mandatory for individuals using the title “Health Practitioner”, which is legally protected under Australian law. Misuse of this title without valid AHPRA registration may be considered a criminal offence. The AHPRA registration process is outlined here: Applying for Registration.

Practitioners who practise mental health or provide referrals to mental health professionals can join IAAMHP through a simple approval process. These include:

• Psychiatrists

• General Practitioners (GPs)

• Psychologists

• Mental Health Nurses

• Other AHPRA-registered practitioners who practice mental health or provide referrals to mental health professionals 

To join IAAMHP under this category, applicants are only required to provide the following:

• Qualification details

• Contact information

• A valid AHPRA registration number

No academic transcripts or qualification assessments are required. All AHPRA-registered members are automatically granted Fellow status. 

Full Members in this category may be provided voting options during IAAMHP policy-making meetings, subject to eligibility and organisational guidelines.

2. Full Member: IAAMHP Accredited Mental Health Worker Registrar (Pursuing Internship Under 4+1 Pathway as per IAAMHP Guidelines)

This category applies to individuals who have completed a minimum of four years of study in the field of mental health, with qualifications at AQF Level 7 or higher, recognised by the Australian government. Of these four years, at least three must be completed at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree level) after Year 12 or its equivalent. The remaining one year must be completed at AQF Levels 8 or 9 and may include a postgraduate diploma, honours degree, Master’s degree, or a PhD with coursework.

While applicants may be part of the allied health workforce as defined by the Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) guidelines, affiliation with AHPA or its member bodies is not required to practise as an allied health professional in Australia. IAAMHP’s licensing and membership process is independent but closely aligned with AHPRA standards. We strongly advocate for all mental health practitioners and professionals to be registered with AHPRA to protect both the public and the profession. Accordingly, we strive to maintain our accreditation standards in close alignment with those of AHPRA.

IAAMHP seeks to become a recognised peak body for accredited mental health workers, focusing on advocating for its full members to access Medicare, NDIS, private health insurers, and other national funding systems, in line with similar professions.

Full Members in this category may be provided voting options during IAAMHP policy-making meetings, subject to eligibility and organisational guidelines.

Acceptable Qualification Combinations Include:

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a one-year postgraduate diploma (AQF Level 8)

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree including an Honours program (AQF Levels 7 and 8)

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree and a one-year Master’s degree (AQF Levels 7, 8, and 9)

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a two-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9)

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a PhD with at least one year of coursework (AQF Level 10, inclusive of coursework at Level 9)

Practical Experience Requirements:

The four years of mental health study must include a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience or research project based on a minimum of 1,500 hours of practical experience integrated into the academic coursework. In addition, applicants must complete a further 1,500 hours of supervised internship and training under AHPRA-registered or IAAMHP-approved supervisors to qualify for IAAMHP licensing. If the academic program did not include the required supervised practical experience, the applicant must complete a total of 3,000 hours of supervised internship to meet IAAMHP’s licensing criteria.

Licensing Program Details:

The IAAMHP-accredited licensing program for this category typically spans one year and includes:

• Pursuing a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice according to the IAAMHP-approved plan

• A focus on evidence-based mental health assessment and interventions

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in psychopharmacology and clinical competencies required for practising at a professional mental health level

• Competencies in professional ethics and professional obligations

• Knowledge of legal obligations related to the profession and accountability when dealing with vulnerable clients

All supervision must be conducted by AHPRA-registered mental health practitioners or IAAMHP-approved supervisors. Full Members in this category are granted voting options during IAAMHP policy-making meetings.

Alternatively, if a member’s prior approved coursework and professional experience already meet the requirements of the IAAMHP-accredited licensing program, and they can provide sufficient supporting documentation, they may be granted a licence upon joining. This includes evidence of at least 1,500 hours of supervised internship involving mental health assessments and interventions under a suitably qualified and recognised supervisor. Where partial hours have been completed, IAAMHP will recognise those, and the remaining hours must be completed under IAAMHP oversight.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements:

To maintain IAAMHP accreditation, members must meet the following CPD standards each year:

• • A minimum of 30 hours of CPD in a recognised mental health discipline

  • At least 10 hours of individual supervision or individual peer supervision. Group supervision with more than six participants will be pro-rated. For example, in a two-hour group session with six participants, only 20 minutes per participant will be credited toward the supervision requirement.

Insurance Requirements

All Associate Members must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) that complies with national standards. IAAMHP adopts the PII standard published by AHPRA: View AHPRA PII Standard

3. Full Member: IAAMHP Accredited Mental Health Worker (Completed 4+1 Internship Pathway)

This category applies to individuals who have completed a minimum of four years of study in the field of mental health, with qualifications at AQF Level 7 or higher, recognised by the Australian government. Of these four years, at least three must be completed at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree level) after Year 12 or its equivalent. The remaining one year must be completed at AQF Levels 8 or 9 and may include a postgraduate diploma, honours degree, Master’s degree, or a PhD with coursework.

In addition to their minimum qualification, they must have completed a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice post-qualification, as per IAAMHP guidelines.

While applicants may be part of the allied health workforce as defined by the Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) guidelines, affiliation with AHPA or its member bodies is not required to practise as an allied health professional in Australia. IAAMHP’s licensing and membership process is independent but closely aligned with AHPRA standards. We strongly advocate for all mental health practitioners and professionals to be registered with AHPRA to protect both the public and the profession. Accordingly, we strive to maintain our accreditation standards in close alignment with those of AHPRA.

IAAMHP seeks to become a recognised peak body for accredited mental health workers, focusing on advocating for its full members to access Medicare, NDIS, private health insurers, and other national funding systems, in line with similar professions.

Full Members in this category may be provided voting options during IAAMHP policy-making meetings, subject to eligibility and organisational guidelines.

Acceptable Qualification Combinations Include:

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a one-year postgraduate diploma (AQF Level 8)

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree including an Honours program (AQF Levels 7 and 8)

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree and a one-year Master’s degree (AQF Levels 7, 8, and 9)

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a two-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9)

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a PhD with at least one year of coursework (AQF Level 10, inclusive of coursework at Level 9)

Practical Experience Requirements:

The four years of mental health study must include a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience integrated into the academic coursework. In addition, applicants must complete a further 1,500 hours of supervised internship and training under AHPRA-registered or IAAMHP-approved supervisors to qualify for IAAMHP licensing. If the academic program did not include the required supervised practical experience, the applicant must complete a total of 3,000 hours of supervised internship to meet IAAMHP’s licensing criteria.

Licensing Program Details:

The IAAMHP-accredited licensing program for this category typically spans one year and includes:

• Completion of a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice post-qualification

• A focus on evidence-based mental health assessment and interventions

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in psychopharmacology and clinical competencies required for practising at a professional mental health level

• Competencies in professional ethics and professional obligations

• Knowledge of legal obligations related to the profession and accountability when dealing with vulnerable clients

All supervision must be conducted by AHPRA-registered mental health practitioners or IAAMHP-approved supervisors.

Alternatively, if a member’s prior approved coursework and professional experience already meet the requirements of the IAAMHP-accredited licensing program, and they can provide sufficient supporting documentation, they may be granted a licence upon joining. This includes evidence of at least 1,500 hours of supervised internship involving mental health assessments and interventions under a suitably qualified and recognised supervisor. Where partial hours have been completed, IAAMHP will recognise those, and the remaining hours must be completed under IAAMHP oversight.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements:

To maintain IAAMHP accreditation, members must meet the following CPD standards each year:

• • A minimum of 30 hours of CPD in a recognised mental health discipline

  • At least 10 hours of individual supervision or individual peer supervision. Group supervision with more than six participants will be pro-rated. For example, in a two-hour group session with six participants, only 20 minutes per participant will be credited toward the supervision requirement.

Insurance Requirements

All Associate Members must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) that complies with national standards. IAAMHP adopts the PII standard published by AHPRA: View AHPRA PII Standard

4. Full Member (Non-AHPRA): IAAMHP Accredited Clinical Mental Health Worker Registrar (Pursuing the Internship Under 5+1 Pathway as per IAAMHP Guidelines)

This category applies to individuals who have completed a minimum of five years of study in the field of mental health, with qualifications at AQF Level 7 and higher, recognised by the Australian government. Of these five years, at least three must have been completed at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree level) after Year 12 or its equivalent. The remaining two years must have been completed at AQF Levels 8 and/or 9, and may include a combination of a postgraduate diploma, honours degree, Master’s degree, or a PhD with coursework.

While applicants may be part of the allied health workforce as defined by the Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) guidelines, affiliation with AHPA or its member bodies is not required to practise as an allied health professional in Australia. IAAMHP’s licensing and membership process is independent but closely aligned with AHPRA standards. We strongly advocate for all mental health practitioners and professionals to be registered with AHPRA to protect both the public and the profession. Accordingly, we strive to maintain our accreditation standards in close alignment with those of AHPRA.

IAAMHP seeks to become a recognised peak body for accredited mental health workers, focusing on advocating for its full members to access Medicare, NDIS, private health insurers, and other national funding systems, in line with similar professions.

Full Members in this category may be provided voting options during IAAMHP policy-making meetings, subject to eligibility and organisational guidelines.

Acceptable Qualification Combinations Include:

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a one-year postgraduate diploma (AQF Level 8), plus a PhD with a minimum of one year of coursework embedded in it

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree with Honours (AQF Levels 7 and 8), plus a PhD with a minimum of one year of coursework

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a two-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9)

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Levels 7 and 8) plus a one-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9)

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a PhD with at least one year of coursework (combined AQF Levels 8, 9, and 10, inclusive of coursework at Level 9; typically a four-year PhD with two years of coursework)

Important Clarification Regarding PhD Qualifications:

A PhD is only acceptable if it includes the required coursework before the PhD program begins.

For example:

If a person completes a 2-year or 3-year PhD, even if it is extended over 5 or 6 years, the key factor is whether the PhD included coursework before the program started. If there was no coursework completed before the PhD program, the qualification will not be considered.

The duration of the PhD (whether it lasts 2, 3, 5, or 6 years) does not affect eligibility as long as the required coursework was completed before entering the PhD program.

Practical Experience Requirements:

The five years of mental health study must include a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience integrated into the academic coursework. In addition, applicants must complete 1,500 hours of supervised internship and training under AHPRA-registered or IAAMHP-approved supervisors to qualify for IAAMHP licensing. If the academic program did not include the required supervised practical experience, the applicant must complete a total of 3,000 hours of supervised internship to meet IAAMHP’s licensing criteria.

Licensing Program Details:

The IAAMHP-accredited licensing program for this category typically spans two years and includes:

• Pursuing a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice as per IAAMHP guidelines and plan

• A focus on evidence-based mental health assessment and interventions

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in psychopharmacology and clinical competencies required for practising at a professional mental health level

• Competencies in professional ethics and professional obligations

• Knowledge of legal obligations related to the profession and accountability when dealing with vulnerable clients

All supervision must be conducted by AHPRA-registered mental health practitioners or IAAMHP-approved supervisors. Full Members in this category are granted voting rights during IAAMHP policy-making meetings.

Alternatively, if a member’s prior approved coursework and professional experience already meet the requirements of the IAAMHP-accredited licensing program, and they can provide sufficient supporting documentation, they may be granted a licence upon joining. This includes evidence of at least 1,500 hours of supervised internship involving mental health assessments and interventions under a suitably qualified and recognised supervisor. Where partial hours have been completed, IAAMHP will recognise those, and the remaining hours must be completed under IAAMHP oversight.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements:

To maintain IAAMHP accreditation, members must meet the following CPD standards each year:

• • A minimum of 30 hours of CPD in a recognised mental health discipline

  • At least 10 hours of individual supervision or individual peer supervision. Group supervision with more than six participants will be pro-rated. For example, in a two-hour group session with six participants, only 20 minutes per participant will be credited toward the supervision requirement.

Insurance Requirements

All Associate Members must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) that complies with national standards. IAAMHP adopts the PII standard published by AHPRA: View AHPRA PII Standard

5. Full Member (Non-AHPRA): IAAMHP Accredited Clinical Mental Health Worker (Who Completed 5+1 Internship Pathway)

This category applies to individuals who have completed a minimum of five years of study at or above AQF Level 7, excluding PhDs completed without coursework, and one year of post-qualification supervised internship as per IAAMHP guidelines. Only PhDs that include one or two years of formal coursework will be considered for assessment and recognition. A PhD without a relevant Bachelor’s, Honours, or Master’s degree will not be accepted as a standalone professional qualification, as it is considered a research qualification and does not meet the clinical training requirements for practice. The fourth and fifth years of study must be completed at the postgraduate level through a postgraduate diploma (AQF Level 8), Master’s degree (AQF Level 9), or a PhD (AQF Level 10, inclusive of AQF Level 9) with coursework.

Applicants must have completed five years of study in the field of mental health, with qualifications at AQF Level 7 or higher, recognised by the Australian government. Of these five years, at least three must have been completed at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree level) after Year 12 or its equivalent. The remaining two years must have been completed at AQF Levels 8 and 9 and may include a combination of a postgraduate diploma, Honours degree, Master’s degree, and/or a PhD with coursework.

IAAMHP seeks to become a recognised peak body for accredited mental health workers, focusing on advocating for its full members to access Medicare, NDIS, private health insurers, and other national funding systems, in line with similar professions.

In addition to their minimum qualifications, applicants must have completed a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice post-qualification, as per IAAMHP guidelines.

While applicants may be part of the allied health workforce as defined by the Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) guidelines, affiliation with AHPA or its member bodies is not required to practise as an allied health professional in Australia. IAAMHP’s licensing and membership process is independent but closely aligned with AHPRA standards. We strongly advocate for all mental health practitioners and professionals to be registered with AHPRA to protect both the public and the profession. Accordingly, we strive to maintain our accreditation standards in close alignment with those of AHPRA.

Full Members in this category may be provided voting options during IAAMHP policy-making meetings, subject to eligibility and organisational guidelines.

Acceptable Qualification Combinations Include:

• • A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a one-year postgraduate diploma (AQF Level 8), plus a PhD with a minimum of one year of coursework embedded in it

  • A four-year Bachelor’s degree with Honours (AQF Levels 7 and 8), plus a PhD with a minimum of one year of coursework

  • A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a two-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9)

  • A four-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Levels 7 and 8) plus a one-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9)

  • A four-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Levels 7 and 8) plus a two-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9)

  • A four-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) plus a PhD with at least one year of coursework (combined AQF Levels 8, 9, and 10, inclusive of coursework at Level 9; typically a four-year PhD with two years of coursework)

Please Note:

Only PhDs with coursework are accepted as part of the academic study pathway. Research-only PhDs or PhDs by publication are not considered equivalent to structured academic training. These qualifications are typically undertaken by individuals who already possess the foundational academic background and are regarded as part of professional or research experience. They cannot be used in place of essential qualifications such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree for IAAMHP licensing purposes.

Practical Experience Requirements:

The five (or six) years of mental health study must include a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience integrated into the academic coursework. In addition, applicants must have completed 1,500 hours of supervised internship and training under AHPRA-registered or IAAMHP-approved supervisors to qualify for IAAMHP licensing.

Licensing Program Details:

The IAAMHP-accredited licensing program for this category typically spans two years and includes:

• • A minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice completed post-qualification

  • A focus on evidence-based mental health assessment and interventions

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in psychopharmacology and clinical competencies required for practising at a professional mental health level

  • Competencies in professional ethics and professional obligations

  • Knowledge of legal obligations related to the profession and accountability when dealing with vulnerable clients

All supervision must be conducted by AHPRA-registered mental health practitioners or IAAMHP-approved supervisors. Full Members in this category are granted voting rights during IAAMHP policy-making meetings.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements:

To maintain IAAMHP accreditation, members must meet the following CPD standards each year:

• • • A minimum of 30 hours of CPD in a recognised mental health discipline

    • At least 10 hours of individual supervision or individual peer supervision. Group supervision with more than six participants will be pro-rated. For example, in a two-hour group session with six participants, only 20 minutes per participant will be credited toward the supervision requirement.

Insurance Requirements

All Associate Members must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) that complies with national standards. IAAMHP adopts the PII standard published by AHPRA: View AHPRA PII Standard

6. Full Member: IAAMHP Accredited Allied Mental Health Worker Registrar

(Pursuing Internship under Graduate 3+1 or 2+1 Licensing Pathway as per IAAMHP Guidelines)

This category applies to individuals who have completed either a three-year Bachelor’s degree or a two-year Master’s degree in a mental health-related discipline.

In unregulated mental health professional settings in Australia, it is possible to obtain a Master’s degree without first completing a relevant Bachelor’s degree. For example, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in History, Accounting, Law, Music, or Education may still pursue a Master’s degree in counselling, psychotherapy, social work, community work, speech therapy, and similar fields, as currently permitted.

However, it is important to acknowledge that individuals entering the field through non-traditional or unregulated educational pathways may not possess the same level of structured clinical training required of regulated professionals—such as general practitioners, medical doctors, psychiatrists, or psychologists—who are registered under AHPRA. A Master’s qualification alone, without foundational undergraduate training in the field or accredited clinical supervision, does not equate to the clinical preparation mandated for registration within regulated health professions.

You may review registration pathways and standards for provisional and general practice at:

• AHPRA Provisional & General Registration

• AHPRA Registration Standards

• AHPRA Accreditation Standards

This distinction reflects the structured and accredited training pathways required under national law. In regulated professions such as medicine, psychology, psychiatry, and nursing, progression to postgraduate training depends on foundational undergraduate education, and practice is governed by strict standards set by AHPRA—a statutory regulatory body (About AHPRA, Who We Are).

Eligibility for IAAMHP Allied Mental Health Worker Registrar Membership

Individuals who have completed only an AQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree without a relevant Bachelor’s, may still be eligible for IAAMHP membership—provided they meet academic and professional requirements aligned with allied health industry standards.

IAAMHP’s policies aim to align closely with those outlined by Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA). According to AHPA:

“For self-regulating allied health professions, the accreditation process is managed by the relevant professional peak body. These associations perform functions similar to AHPRA, including certifying qualifications, maintaining standards, and overseeing professional development. Accreditation by the peak body is typically required by Medicare, the NDIS, private health insurers, and other funders.”
(AHPA – Allied Health Regulation)

IAAMHP seeks to become a recognised peak body for accredited mental health workers, focusing on advocating for its full members to access Medicare, NDIS, private health insurers, and other national funding systems, in line with similar professions.

While applicants may fall within the allied health workforce as defined by AHPA, affiliation with AHPA or its members is not required to practise in Australia. IAAMHP’s independent membership process remains informed by national benchmarks.

Acceptable Qualifications Include:

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) in a mental health-related discipline

• A two-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9) in a mental health-related discipline

Practical Experience Requirements

The academic program must include a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience integrated into coursework. If not met through the degree, the applicant must complete additional supervised internship hours, verified through official documentation and approved by IAAMHP.

Licensing Program Details

The IAAMHP-accredited licensing pathway includes:

• A minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised mental health practice post-qualification, as per IAAMHP guidelines

• Focus on evidence-based mental health assessment and interventions

• Demonstrated competency in psychopharmacology and clinical practice

• Understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities

• Knowledge of legal obligations when working with vulnerable clients

All supervision must be carried out by AHPRA-registered or IAAMHP-approved supervisors.

Insurance Requirements

All Associate Members must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) that complies with national standards. IAAMHP adopts the PII standard published by AHPRA: View AHPRA PII Standard

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements

To maintain IAAMHP accreditation, members must complete annually:

• • 30 hours of CPD in a recognised mental health field

  • 10 hours of individual supervision or individual peer supervision. Group supervision with more than six participants will be pro-rated. For example, in a two-hour session with six participants, only 20 minutes per participant counts toward the requirement.

     

7. Full Member: IAAMHP Accredited Allied Mental Health Worker

(For those who have completed the Graduate 3+1 or 2+1 Licensing Pathway)

This category applies to individuals who have completed either a three-year Bachelor’s degree or a two-year Master’s degree in a mental health-related discipline, along with 1,500 hours of supervised mental health practice as per the guidelines of IAAMHP.

In unregulated mental health professional settings in Australia, it is possible to obtain a Master’s degree without first completing a relevant Bachelor’s degree. For example, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in History, Accounting, Law, Music, or Education may still pursue a Master’s degree in counselling, psychotherapy, social work, community work, speech therapy, and similar fields, as currently permitted.

However, it is important to acknowledge that individuals entering the field through non-traditional or unregulated educational pathways may not possess the same level of structured clinical training required of regulated professionals—such as general practitioners, medical doctors, psychiatrists, or psychologists—who are registered under AHPRA. A Master’s qualification alone, without foundational undergraduate training in the field or accredited clinical supervision, does not equate to the clinical preparation mandated for registration within regulated health professions.

You may review registration pathways and standards for provisional and general practice at:

• AHPRA Provisional & General Registration

• AHPRA Registration Standards

• AHPRA Accreditation Standards

This distinction reflects the structured and accredited training pathways required under national law. In regulated professions such as medicine, psychology, psychiatry, and nursing, progression to postgraduate training depends on foundational undergraduate education, and practice is governed by strict standards set by AHPRA—a statutory regulatory body (About AHPRA, Who We Are).

Eligibility for IAAMHP Allied Mental Health Worker Membership

Individuals who have completed only an AQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree without a relevant Bachelor’s, may still be eligible for IAAMHP membership—provided they meet academic and professional requirements aligned with allied health industry standards.

IAAMHP’s policies aim to align closely with those outlined by Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA). According to AHPA:

“For self-regulating allied health professions, the accreditation process is managed by the relevant professional peak body. These associations perform functions similar to AHPRA, including certifying qualifications, maintaining standards, and overseeing professional development. Accreditation by the peak body is typically required by Medicare, the NDIS, private health insurers, and other funders.”
(Source: AHPA – Allied Health Regulation)

IAAMHP seeks to become a recognised peak body for accredited mental health workers, focusing on advocating for its full members to access Medicare, NDIS, private health insurers, and other national funding systems, in line with similar professions.

While applicants may fall within the allied health workforce as defined by AHPA, affiliation with AHPA or its members is not required to practise in Australia. IAAMHP’s independent membership process remains informed by national benchmarks.

Acceptable Qualifications Include:

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) in a mental health-related discipline

• A two-year Master’s degree (AQF Level 9) in a mental health-related discipline

Practical Experience Requirements

The academic program must include a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience integrated into coursework. If not met through the degree, the applicant must complete additional supervised internship hours, verified through official documentation and approved by IAAMHP.

Licensing Program Details

The IAAMHP-accredited licensing pathway includes:

• A minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised mental health practice post-qualification

• Focus on evidence-based mental health assessment and interventions

• Competency in psychopharmacology and clinical practice

• Ethical and professional responsibilities

• Legal knowledge for working with vulnerable clients

All supervision must be carried out by AHPRA-registered or IAAMHP-approved supervisors.

Insurance Requirements

All Associate Members must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) that complies with national standards. IAAMHP adopts the PII standard published by AHPRA: View AHPRA PII Standard

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements

To maintain IAAMHP accreditation, members must complete annually:

• • 30 hours of CPD in a recognised mental health field

  • 10 hours of individual supervision or individual peer supervision. Group supervision with more than six participants will be pro-rated. For example, in a two-hour session with six participants, only 20 minutes per participant counts toward the requirement.