Definition of Clinical Social Workers

A clinical social worker is a trained practitioner, educated and licensed graduate, with a Masters degree or higher in social work, to provide mental health services for individuals, families and groups. According to the channel of the mental health, clinical social workers specialize in assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorders, emotions and behaviors. Clinical social workers working within the parameters of social services, hospitals, correctional facilities or in private practice, helping clients achieve stability and improved functioning.

History

The historical roots of clinical social work back to the 1920s. The website History of Social Work reports that Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, started the first school for psychiatric social workers, who were the pioneers of clinical social work. The profession was initially focused on reform efforts; however, this role has increased with increasing attention to the individual social adaptation. Social workers quickly realized their potential contribution to mental health services in psychiatric settings. The mid-twentieth century, psychiatric social work has been a recognized area of ​​practice and laid the groundwork for what could be labeled "clinical social work" in the 1970s.

Qualifications

Clinical social workers in public and private environments, with clients referred by physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, school personnel, courts and other agencies. Successful job seekers must have a master's degree in social work and two years of supervised work experience in the licensed clinical social worker. They must also have a license to practice in the state in which they plan to practice. In addition, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers credentials and specialty certifications for its members.

Practices

Clinical practices are ethical social workers and social work is based on the client's current situation, according to the NASW. Clinical social workers frequently use cognitive learning, social-emotional and rational approaches based on evidence, based on the theory of social work. Indicates that the NASW social workers deliver nearly two-thirds of mental health services accessed in the United States.

Function

Clinical social workers, NASW said, distinguish it from other clinicians in this advocacy; empowerment and social justice efforts are an important component of services and interventions offered. Adoption of end of life care, clinical social workers have a role to play. Clinical social workers help clients with mental health problems, substance abuse, addiction, domestic violence, divorce, grief, poverty and other issues that defy most human beings.

Considerations

The goals of the clinical social worker when helping a client is determined by the specific needs, strengths and environment of the client. However, a major goal of clinical social work is that clients learn to help themselves. Their mission, according to the NASW is that the dignity of the client is respected and maintained, regardless of the client culture, race, gender, class or social status, sexual orientation, education, religious affiliation, age or marital status .