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Social Workers focus on the multiple complexities and contributing factors involved in Mental Health

Social Workers assist with more than just mental health, we address the needs of society, advocate for equality, and help people cope with challenges in every stage of their lives. Social Workers understand that multiple factors determine an individual's overall quality of mental health, and if one area of your life is not functioning properly, other areas of your life will be affected.

 

This is why many Social Workers use the (PIE)Person-In-Environment theory. A client's behavior or symptoms cannot be understood adequately without considering every aspect of the client's environment (social interactions, family/relationship dynamics, financial stability, physical health, spirituality, even moral views). PIE theory assesses the client as a whole versus solely focusing on presenting factors.  A person's behavior can largely be understood by looking at their environment, including their past environment.

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Social Workers are Unique

Social workers have unique skills that are invaluable to building health systems that promote population health and reduce health inequities. Clinical Social Workers may use a Holistic Systems approach in providing mental health and other services, focusing on Biological, Psychological, and Social factors. 

 

Social Workers are the largest group of mental health service providers in the United States. Clinical Social Workers are recognized by federal law as one of five core mental health professions. The number of Clinical Psychologists is estimated to be less than that of Social Workers, but more than that of other disciplines such as Marriage and Family Therapists, whose group is substantially lower than those of Social Workers or Psychologists, (Heisler, E.J., & Bagalman, E. (2015).

  

The multifaceted roles of Social Workers

Although many Licensed Clinical Social Workers work as independent clinicians, the federal government is the largest employer of Clinical Social Workers and Clinical Psychologists. What makes Clinical Social Workers unique is our ability to work outside the box. Social Workers wear numerous hats and are regularly recruited by government agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Veterans Health Administration (VA), the Bureau of Prisons (DOJ), and the Indian Health Services (within HHS), among other agencies. Many Social Workers both clinical and non-clinical also work in the following settings;

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Social Workers are Trendsetters

Social Workers have led the way developing private and charitable organizations to serve people in need since 1898 when the first Social Work program began at Columbia University. The American Social Work profession was established in the late 19th century to ensure that immigrants and other vulnerable people gained tools and skills to escape economic and social poverty. The profession of Social Work helps individuals, families, and communities achieve social  improvement and social change. Social Workers believe that EVERYONE has the right and potential to lead a productive and fulfilling life. 

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 Fun Fact-

Did you know there are various types of Mental Health Providers? So who are they & what exactly can they assist you with?

Scope of Practice, by Mental Health Provider Type   

Licensed to Diagnose Mental Disorders 

  • Clinical Social Worker  (LCSW)                                       YES

  • Clinical Psychologist    (Not a Medical Doctor)              YES

  • Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)                           YES

  • Psychiatrist (MD)  Actual Medical Doctor w/specialty YES

  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APPN)               YES

  • Professional Clinical Counselor  (LPCC )                       YES

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Licensed to Provide Psychosocial Treatment for Individuals, Families, & Groups

  • Clinical Social Worker                                                     YES

  • Clinical Psychologist                                                        YES

  • Marriage and Family Therapist                                      YES

  • Psychiatrist                                                                       YES

  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse                            YES

  • Professional Clinical Counselor                                       YES

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Licensed to Administer and Interpret Psychological Tests

  • Clinical Social Worker                                                       NO

  • Clinical Psychologist                                                         YES

  • Marriage and Family Therapist                                       NO

  • Psychiatrist                                                                        NO

  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse                             NO

  • Professional Clinical Counselor                                      NO

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Licensed to Diagnose and Treat Physical Conditions

  • Clinical Social Worker                                                      NO

  • Clinical Psychologist                                                        NO

  • Marriage and Family Therapist                                      NO

  • Psychiatrist                                                                      YES

  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse                           YES*

  • Professional Clinical Counselor                                     NO

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Can Prescribe Medication

  • Clinical Social Worker                                                     NO

  • Clinical Psychologist                                                        NO**

  • Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)                          NO

  • Psychiatrist                                                                      YES

  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APPN)              YES

  • Professional Clinical Counselor                                       NO

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*-Some states may require that advanced practice psychiatric nurses be supervised by physicians.

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**-In New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, Guam, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) system, the Indian Health Service, and the U.S. Public Health Service, licensed psychologists who obtain additional training can apply to have prescription writing privileges as part of their scope of practice. See Robert E. McGrath, “Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists,” Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, vol. 6 (April 27, 2010), pp. 21-47; and American Psychological Association, “Idaho Becomes Fifth State to Allow Psychologists to Prescribe Medications,” press release, April 5, 2017, https://www.apa.org/news/press/ releases/2017/04/idaho-psychologists-medications.aspx.

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Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA); and various professional associations.

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It is important to know the role of your therapist, including the therapist's Purpose, Passion, & Mission. Respectfully, therapists are not created or educated equally, and like clients, therapists are also individually unique, so clients should look for a therapist who best meets the client's needs.

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