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Membership Criteria

The Inclusive Australian Agency of Mental Health Practitioners (IAAMHP) is dedicated to supporting and representing mental health professionals across Australia and internationally. We bring together practitioners from both regulated and self-regulating fields to promote inclusive, ethical, and evidence-informed mental health care.

As a member, you become part of a growing professional community committed to collaboration, high standards, and shared learning. IAAMHP provides recognition, professional development opportunities, and a platform to engage with like-minded peers across disciplines. We also welcome international members, offering the opportunity to connect with a global network of mental health professionals, exchange insights, and stay informed about international mental health practice.

Whether you’re a student, early-career practitioner, or an experienced professional, IAAMHP offers a supportive environment where your work is valued, your voice is heard, and your growth is encouraged.

Disciplines Considered for Membership

IAAMHP recognises qualifications in fields including (but not limited to):

  • Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Behavioural therapy
  • Psychotherapy, Counselling (various disciplines)
  • Social work, Community work, Mental health
  • Psychological science, mental health nursing, Occupational therapy (mental health), Speech pathology (mental health)

If your qualification is related to mental health and includes at least one major unit in the field, you may apply for assessment with supporting documents.

Membership Fees

  • General Membership: Free for year 2025
  • Premium Membership: $150
    (Includes access to premium services such as discounted insurance, 50 hours of free CPD annually, access to accreditation programme materials, member-only forums and resources, online network meetings, and regulated peer supervision.)
  • Student Membership: Free

Special Offer: All memberships are free for 2025 as part of our foundation year initiative.

All applicants from Australia must have no criminal record. A police clearance and working with children check are required, in addition to academic transcripts. AHPRA-registered practitioners do not need to submit academic or verification documents, as these have already been assessed and verified by AHPRA as part of their registration process.

Membership Categories

1. Licensed Membership Category (Full membership with voting rights)


Full Member and Fellow IAAMHP:  AHPRA-Regulated Mental Health Practitioners 

This category is for AHPRA-registered health practitioners specifically qualified to provide mental health services. This includes, but is not limited to, psychiatrists, general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, mental health nurses, and other AHPRA-registered practitioners eligible to provide mental health services.

The title “Health Practitioner” is legally protected in Australia, along with various other AHPRA-registered titles. Misuse of the title “Health Practitioner” or any AHPRA-protected titles without appropriate registration may be perceived as a criminal offence under Australian law. We do not recommend our non-AHPRA members to use the term “health practitioner” or “mental health practitioner” if not registered with AHPRA.

This membership is for AHPRA-registered Health Practitioners only. AHPRA-registered practitioners only need to provide their qualification details, contact information, and valid registration number—no academic transcripts or verification of qualifications are required. Fellow membership is given to all AHPRA registered health practitioners by default. 

Full Member: IAAMHP Accredited Provisional Mental Health Worker (IAAMHP Licensed, 4+1 internship pathway)

Individuals with four years of study in Mental Health. Qualifications must be at AQF Level 7 or above and government-recognised. These individuals may be part of the allied health professional workforce as per Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) guidelines. However, it is not required to be a member of any of the peak bodies that are members of AHPA. Members have voting rights during IAAMHP meetings.

Our accredited licensing program will run for one year, involving a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practice, focusing on evidence-based mental health assessments and interventions. All supervision must be undertaken with AHPRA-regulated mental health practitioners.

Alternatively, if a member’s prior approved coursework and work experience already meet the requirements of the IAAMHP-accredited licensing program, and the member can successfully submit sufficient evidence to demonstrate this, they may be granted a licence upon joining. This includes documentation of at least 1,500 hours of supervised internship involving mental health assessment and interventions. An assessment of internship will be conducted by IAAMHP if the member is not undertaking the accredited licensing programme through IAAMHP. Where a member has partially completed the required internship or training hours, IAAMHP will recognise the completed hours. The remaining hours must be completed through the IAAMHP-accredited licensing program, under appropriate supervision and structured internship. The total duration of the internship may vary based on the outcome of the assessment.

Members must also maintain the CPD requirements of IAAMHP, which include:

    • A minimum of 30 hours of CPD in a mental health discipline annually.
    • A minimum of 10 hours of individual supervision or individual peer supervision per year.
    • Group supervision with more than six participants will not be considered. Only the time spent specifically on the member in group supervision will be counted. For example, in a two-hour group supervision session with six participants, only 20 minutes per participant is calculated toward supervision time.

Full Member: Non-AHPRA – IAAMHP Accredited Mental Health Worker (IAAMHP Licensed, 4+2 internship pathway)

Individuals with four years of study in Mental Health. Qualifications must be at AQF Level 7 or above and government-recognised. These individuals may be part of the allied health professional workforce as per AHPA guidelines. However, it is not required to be a member of any of the peak bodies that are members of AHPA. Our accredited licensing program will run for two years, involving a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised practice, focusing on evidence-based mental health assessments and interventions. All supervision must be undertaken with AHPRA-regulated mental health practitioners. Full Members have voting rights during IAAMHP meetings.

Full Member: Non-AHPRA – IAAMHP Accredited Clinical Mental Health Worker (IAAMHP Licensed, 5+2 internship pathway)

This category is for individuals with a minimum of five years of qualifications at or above AQF Level 7, excluding PhDs completed without coursework. Only PhDs with one or two years of 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 recognised as a research qualification and is insufficient for clinical practice. The fourth and fifth years of study must be at the postgraduate level, completed through a Master’s degree or a PhD with coursework.

The individual must also have at least a Bachelor’s degree, two years of postgraduate-level qualifications, one year of supervised practice, and 3,000 hours of internship and training as part of their coursework. Our accredited licensing program will run for two years, involving a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised practice, focusing on evidence-based mental health assessments and interventions. All supervision must be undertaken with AHPRA-regulated mental health practitioners. These individuals may be part of the allied health professional workforce as per AHPA guidelines. However, it is not required to be a member of any of the peak bodies that are members of AHPA. Full Members have voting rights during IAAMHP meetings.

2. Non-Licensed Membership Category (Both Voting and Non Voting memberships)

Associate Members (Self-Regulating)

Individuals with a minimum three-year Bachelor’s degree or a two-year Master’s degree in a mental health-related discipline. Please note that unregulated mental health disciplines may allow a Master’s degree to be completed without a relevant Bachelor’s degree. However, qualifications must be at AQF Level 7 or above and be Australian government-recognised and approved.

These individuals may be part of the allied health professional workforce, as per AHPA guidelines. However, it is not required to be a member of any of the peak bodies that are members of AHPA.

Associate members have voting rights and can help decide the governing policies of IAAMHP and can be part of committees and the Governing Board and Board of Directors.

Affiliate Members (Self-Regulating)

Individuals with any nationally recognised standalone mental health qualifications, such as diplomas, advanced diplomas, or graduate certificates, without a relevant Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree.

Student Members (Self-Regulating)

Free for all students in mental health-related fields. They must be enrolled in a valid course. Student members do not have voting rights.

International Members (Self-Regulating)

International members with comparable qualifications may access relevant membership benefits and updates. Depending on qualification level, international members may be offered Full or Affiliate Membership status.

Honorary Members – Not Practising and Retired Professionals

Non-practising individuals who wish to remain connected to IAAMHP’s initiatives. This is a non-voting membership.

Patrons – Non-Professional Membership

Individuals without formal mental health qualifications who wish to support IAAMHP’s cause and gain insight into the industry. Suitable for media professionals, lawyers, and advocates.

Industry Recognition

Fellow Membership – Open to Australians and International Members

Full members with over five years of experience following their professional qualifications may be awarded the title of Fellow at IAAMHP, which is a mark of prestige.

Scholar Membership – Open to Both Australian and International Members

Awarded to Full Members who hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in the same or similar discipline, granting specific expertise in relevant areas.
Examples include:

    • Bachelor’s in Counselling and Master of Counselling
    • Bachelor’s in Psychoanalysis and Master of Psychoanalysis
    • Doctor of Medicine
    • AHPRA practitioners such as Psychiatrists, General Practitioners, Psychologists, and Mental Health Nurses 

Voting Membership vs Non-Voting Membership

IAAMHP distinguishes between Voting and Non-Voting members to maintain a professional and accountable governance framework.

Voting Members

Voting members have the right to:

    • Vote on organisational and policy decisions, including amendments to the constitution.
    • Elect or be elected to IAAMHP’s committees, including those overseeing governance, ethics, and accreditation.
    • Participate in formal governance and shape IAAMHP’s strategic direction.

Who qualifies as a Voting Member?

    • All Full Members, including AHPRA-registered practitioners and self-regulating professionals who meet IAAMHP’s full membership criteria. Associate members also are voting members. 

Non-Voting Members

Non-voting members are recognised participants in IAAMHP’s community who benefit from professional development, networking, and resources but do not participate in formal decision-making processes. However, they can share feedback and suggestions.

Non-voting members may:

    • Access IAAMHP services, events, resources, and peer support.
    • Be appointed to the Governing Board or Board of Directors in a non-voting or advisory capacity, where appropriate.
    • Contribute to discussions, working groups, and member forums.
    • Provide suggestions, feedback, and share insights.

Non-voting members may not:

    • Vote on constitutional, policy, or governance matters.
    • Be elected to voting committees or formal leadership positions with decision-making authority.

Who qualifies as a Non-Voting Member?

    • Affiliate Members, Student Members
    • International Members (Self-Regulating), Honorary Members, Patrons

No Assessment Process for Regulated Practitioners

We do not conduct the assessment or verification of qualifications for AHPRA-regulated health practitioners, as these are already conducted by statutory regulatory bodies such as AHPRA, the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB), and other similar nationally recognised assessment bodies. The title of “health practitioner” is protected by national law. It is a legal offence to misuse or misrepresent protected titles in Australia. Social work in South Australia will be regulated from 1st July 2025, or as decided by the SWRB.

IAAMHP Assessment for non-regulated mental health professionals

For professions and qualifications that are unregulated and fall under self-regulating categories, we will either conduct an assessment to determine eligibility for our membership categories or refer them to appropriate assessment bodies. Please note that we are not a statutory regulatory body or a registration body. Our assessments are solely for IAAMHP membership purposes only.

Important

We do not consider PhDs without coursework. We will only consider a PhD with coursework for membership assessment and recognition. A PhD qualification without a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree will not be accepted as a standalone professional qualification and is insufficient for practice-level memberships. (e.g., Honours in Psychology, Doctorate in History)

IAAMHP CPD Requirements

1) For AHPRA-Registered Health Practitioners

AHPRA-registered health practitioners must follow the CPD requirements set by AHPRA. They do not need to meet any additional CPD requirements to maintain IAAMHP membership. AHPRA-registered members are not required to submit supervision logs or other CPD documentation to IAAMHP.

2) For Non-AHPRA-Regulated Members

Non-AHPRA-regulated members of IAAMHP must meet the following CPD requirements to maintain their membership:

  • Minimum 30 hours of CPD:
    Members are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) specifically focused on mental health practice.
  • Endorsement CPD:
    If you are working towards an endorsement, your CPD activities must include those related to the endorsement areas.
  • Minimum 10 hours of Supervision or Peer Supervision:
    At least 10 hours of CPD must come from either peer supervision or supervision. Peer supervision can be observed when both individuals are similarly qualified.
  • Group Supervision:
    Not more than 2 hours of group supervision per year can count towards your CPD. Group supervision must involve a group size of 6 or fewer participants, and each participant must receive at least 20 minutes of supervision. For example, a 2-hour supervision session typically consists of 6 individual sessions, each 20 minutes long. Only the individual’s supervision time will be considered in this case.
  • Supervision from AHPRA or SWRB-Regulated Practitioners Only:
    IAAMHP-accredited workers are required to receive supervision either from AHPRA or SWRB-regulated practitioners only depending upon their licensing, endorsement and accreditation program.
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII):
    A minimum of $20 million professional indemnity insurance (PII) is mandatory for all IAAMHP mental health professionals undertaking any form of practice in their respective profession(s).

Initial Registration and Annual Renewal:
IAAMHP members must declare during initial registration and annual renewal that they will not practice unless they have appropriate PII arrangements in place. These arrangements must comply with the relevant registration standards for all aspects of their practice.

If you have your own PII arrangements, it is essential that your insurance broker or provider understands the nature and risks associated with your practice. This will ensure that you receive adequate and appropriate cover.
Members are required to maintain evidence of their PII arrangements for at least five years, in case the Board requests proof.

CPD Training Formats

Mental Health CPD training can be undertaken through various formats, including but not limited to:

    • CPD courses, Webinars, Online training sessions, Workshops, Seminars
    • Approved self-learning and peer consultation

IAAMHP adopts the CPD standards set by AHPRA, which can be found in detail on the AHPRA website here.

Additional Information

  • AHPRA (https://www.ahpra.gov.au/):
    The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the statutory regulatory body governed by the National Law. It is a criminal offence to use the protected titles of AHPRA-registered practitioners without being registered with AHPRA, even if the qualifications are the same or similar.
  • AHPA (https://www.ahpa.com.au/):
    Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) is a non-statutory, self-governing, membership-based advocacy body for allied health professions. Please note that AHPA does not have statutory power to designate individuals as allied health professionals, and this title is not protected. Member organisations of AHPA have their own constitutions and governing policies. Membership in these professional bodies does not confer eligibility for AHPRA registration. Clients should exercise caution, as some practitioners may be unregulated and may not meet the same qualification standards as those registered with AHPRA.
  • HCCC (https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/):
    The Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) is a statutory body with the authority to investigate complaints against both regulated and non-regulated health and mental health professionals. The HCCC can impose sanctions on healthcare professionals as necessary.
  • SWRB (https://www.swrb.sa.gov.au/):
    “What is Social Workers Registration scheme?
    On the 28 September 2023, the State Government introduced into Parliament the Social Workers Registration (Commencement) Amendment Bill 2023, setting the commencement date, 1 July 2025, if not commenced earlier by Proclamation.

When commenced, the legislation will require all social workers in South Australia to be registered in order to practice.

The introduction of a Social Workers Registration scheme was supported by the South Australian Government on the basis that the registration of social workers will have a range of benefits including improved public safety, higher standards of conduct and accountability through the provision of accessible mechanisms for complaints and review and improved professional development opportunities for people within the profession.
A copy of the Social Workers Registration Act can be found here: https://www.swrb.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1056678/Social-Work-Registration-Act-2021.pdf

What about contractors that must have AASW for insurance purposes, or those with AASW credentials, such as Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) credential? Will the SWRB SA ever take on these functions?
The Social Workers Registration Board is an independent regulatory body which oversees the social work profession to protect the public. The SWRB SA will only ever be responsible for the regulatory functions of registration, investigation, and accreditation of education programs.

SWRB SA does not provide insurance and advises that you seek relevant professional or legal advice regarding insurance.

The Federal Government delegates the accreditation process for AMHSWs to the AASW by requiring AASW accreditation for Medicare billing eligibility. The authority for AMHSWs to access Medicare rebates is outlined in the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2021 and previous legislative instruments.”

  • Mental Health Practitioners in this document refers to registered health practitioners specifically qualified to provide mental health services, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health nurses under AHPRA.
  • Health Practitioners is a broader term that encompasses various healthcare professionals registered with AHPRA, not necessarily limited to mental health services.
  • Allied health professional, mental health worker, mental health professional are not protected titles.

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