What Is a Mental Health Social Worker and How to Become One

A mental health social worker (MSW) is a social worker that provides counseling, therapy, and other support to those struggling with mental illness, addiction, and other mental health issues. As a mental health social worker, your job duties involve working directly with individuals to understand their issues, offer advice and suggestions, and develop effective treatment programs. You often help clients develop better support networks and develop essential life skills. The career often requires collaborating with mental health professionals in similar fields, including psychologists and psychiatrists.

A mental health social worker needs at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related discipline and a license or certification from your state . Many social workers earn a master’s degree as well. You also need experience working as part of a community, which you often gain as part of a supervised step in the education process. Additional qualifications include excellent interpersonal skills and a strong sense of compassion. Positions are available at hospitals, prisons, community centers, mental health facilities, and government agencies.

Mental health social workers work in a variety of different environments. Positions are available at hospitals, mental health facilities, community centers, schools, churches, and prisons. You can also find jobs with government agencies and non-profit organizations. Most mental health social workers see patients in a clinical setting, typically an office. You interview the patient, perform mental health evaluations, and develop treatment methods. The exact environment where mental health social workers work depends largely on their specialization, such as addiction, mental illness, and unemployment.