Michael Elwan, AASW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Michael is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- Great news, Michael is accepting new clients!
- He is normally fully-booked.
- Speaks English and Arabic
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Australia
More about Michael
- 15 years' experience
- Male
- AASW
Hi, I’m Michael - a therapist, mental health advocate, and consultant with over 15 years of experience in trauma-informed care, counselling, psychotherapy, and systemic transformation. My approach is deeply personal, shaped by my lived experience as a carer for loved ones with mental health challenges and the profound grief of losing many to suicide. I know what it means to feel unseen, unheard, and overwhelmed, and I bring that understanding into every session.
As a PhD candidate in Mental Health, I specialise in integrating lived experience with evidence-based practice to create compassionate, inclusive, and person-centred support. I hold a Master of Social Work (specialising in counselling for loss and grief), an MBA (Distinction), and a Diploma in Psychology (with Merit), alongside advanced training in mental health, organisational psychology, and leadership. These qualifications allow me to support individuals in navigating complex emotional and systemic challenges.
I am an Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and an active member of professional networks, including the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH), the Refugee Council of Australia, and the United Nations Association of WA. Beyond therapy, my advocacy work extends to national and state-level mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, ensuring that lived experience is not only included in conversations but leads meaningful change.
My practice is shaped by inclusivity, cultural awareness, and the understanding that healing looks different for everyone. Whether working with individuals experiencing grief, trauma, or identity struggles, or supporting professionals through workplace burnout and leadership challenges, my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for growth and transformation.
My research, published in peer-reviewed journals like the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, explores the intersection of lived experience and systemic reform. I am also a frequent speaker at major conferences, including the WA Mental Health Conference and the National Suicide Prevention Conference, where I advocate for culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches to mental health.
Therapy is not about fixing- it’s about understanding, healing, and reclaiming your own story. If my approach resonates with you, I’d love to connect and support you on your journey.
Specialties
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
- Systemic Therapy
Licenses
- AASW · Australia · 681846 · Expires June 2025
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Michael Elwan
Frequently asked questions
Does Michael Elwan offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Michael Elwan works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Michael Elwan speak?
Michael Elwan speaks English and Arabic.
How many years of experience does Michael Elwan have?
Michael Elwan has 15 years of experience.
Where is Michael Elwan licensed to practice?
Michael Elwan is licensed to practice in Australia.
Does Michael Elwan accept clients outside of Australia?
No, Michael Elwan does not accept clients outside of Australia.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Michael Elwan offer?
Michael Elwan offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Systemic Therapy.
How can I communicate with Michael Elwan?
Michael Elwan can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Michael Elwan?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.