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.
- 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 based in Australia, with over 15 years of experience in trauma-informed care, counselling, psychotherapy, and systemic reform. My approach is deeply personal, shaped by my lived experience as a carer for loved ones with complex mental health needs, and the profound grief of losing others to suicide. These experiences taught me what it means to feel unseen, unheard, and overwhelmed — and I bring that insight into every session.
My qualifications include:
* PhD Candidate in Mental Health (Charles Sturt University, Australia)
* Master of Social Work (Counselling for Loss & Grief) – University of New England, Australia
* Diploma in Psychology (with Merit) – Austin Peay State University, USA
* Graduate Certificate in Mental Health – Australian Catholic University
* MicroMasters in Organisational Psychology (High Distinction) – University of Canterbury, NZ
* MicroMasters in Business Leadership (High Distinction) – University of Queensland, Australia
* MBA (Distinction) – Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
These academic foundations allow me to support individuals and professionals navigating grief, trauma, identity, leadership, and systemic barriers - especially those from marginalised or culturally diverse communities.
I am an Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and an active contributor to national and state suicide prevention and mental health advisory panels. My work includes keynote speaking, peer supervision, and leadership development, with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice.
Whether I’m working with someone through personal challenges or supporting peer workers, clinicians, and leaders, my priority is to offer a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space where healing can begin and voice can be reclaimed.
My lived experience as a young carer, a suicide-loss survivor, and a cultural advocate continues to shape my practice as a therapist. I understand how identity, grief, and systems intersect — and I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered.
My research has been published in journals such as the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, and I’ve been a speaker at major conferences including the WA Mental Health Conference and the National Suicide Prevention Conference. I also deliver suicide prevention training and contribute to reform initiatives that prioritise the voices of those with lived experience.
Therapy is not about fixing — it’s about understanding, healing, and coming home to your own story. If my approach resonates with you, I’d be honoured to support your journey.
If you’re curious to explore more of my public advocacy, writing, or keynote work, you can visit https://lexs.com.au
It’s a space where I reflect on cultural identity, grief, leadership, and mental health reform through a lived experience lens.
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, sometimes called teletherapy, refers to talk therapy delivered remotely through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or chat. It can be a great option for people who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions.
Teletherapy also offers greater convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that the treatment outcomes with online counseling are often just as effective as with traditional therapy, providing a viable alternative for individuals seeking mental health support.
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.