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AAMHP Important message from our Chair
An Important Message from our Chair and Welcome to the
AAMHP Spring 2026 e-Newsletter
Posted by Susan Sandy 14th September 2026
Dear Members and Friends,
We invite you to read our 4th Edition of the AAMHP Spring 2026 Newsletter (Click HERE)
An Important message from our Chair:
AAMHP is evolving from the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia into the Australian Association of Mental Health Practitioners (AAMHP), reflecting how much the organisation and its membership have grown. While its origins remain firmly rooted in advocating for vocationally trained practitioners.
The AAMHP now represents a much broader workforce, including members with vocational, diploma, associate degree, bachelor and master’s qualifications. The transition recognises this diversity without suggesting that different qualifications, professions or scopes of practice are interchangeable.
Our Association’s approach is based on the belief that difference does not mean irrelevance. A strong mental health workforce needs practitioners with different skills, qualifications and roles, supported by clear scopes of practice, professional standards, supervision, ethical accountability, continuing development and appropriate referral pathways.
AAMHP’s “broad-church” approach aims to create an inclusive professional community that welcomes diverse practitioners while maintaining meaningful standards and recognising professional limits.
The new name provides greater scope for AAMHP to participate in national workforce discussions and support practitioners across educational pathways.
The transition will happen gradually, with both names appearing for some time rather than erasing the organisation’s history.
The original VMHPAA identity remains important because it reflects the Association’s founding commitment to ensuring vocational practitioners were recognised, represented and included.
Moving forward, the challenge is to give the new name substance through continued advocacy, professional development, supervision, collaboration and engagement with governments, educators and the broader mental health sector.
Ultimately, the Australian Association of Mental Health Practitioners’s purpose remains unchanged: supporting a diverse, capable and accountable mental health workforce while protecting the public and ensuring practitioners can contribute within appropriate scope.
Thanks in advance,
Shane Warren Chair, VMHPAA on behalf of the Executive Committee
If you would like to become a registered Member of AAMHP please click on the
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