Social Workers vs. Therapists: Understanding Mental Health Roles

Are Mental Health Professionals Interchangeable? Understanding the Role of Social Workers in Behavioral Health

Can social workers provide therapy?

Licensed clinical social workers are trained to perform psychotherapy, so they can certainly function as therapists. However, when we look at how these terms are commonly used, there are some important distinctions between a social worker and other types of therapists.

What is a licensed clinical social worker and what qualifications do they need?

A licensed clinical social worker may be employed by a government social services agency, an educational institution, a healthcare facility like a hospital or clinic, or a private practice. Becoming an LCSW requires earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited program, completing supervised clinical hours, and passing a licensing examination. Social workers typically focus on helping clients improve their overall life circumstances, which often requires expertise beyond just mental health. Most social workers specialize in specific areas to provide more effective service. While some social work positions may require only a bachelor’s degree, it’s important to note that providing mental health counseling generally requires licensed clinical social workers to have a master’s degree.

Child and family social workers

Social workers who specialize in child and family support often work for state or county social services agencies. Their responsibilities include connecting families with necessary support systems and ensuring children grow up in stable, safe environments. For families experiencing financial difficulties, social workers can help them access resources such as job training programs, affordable housing options, subsidized childcare, and government assistance programs.

In cases involving child abuse, social workers identify the underlying causes of abuse and can remove children from dangerous situations when necessary. Licensed clinical social workers can provide counseling to help children process the effects of childhood trauma or connect them with appropriate support services if they don’t hold the specific qualifications themselves.

School social workers

Many educational institutions employ social workers to support students’ social development, which often contributes to improved academic performance. School social workers may also provide services to families, helping ensure they have resources to properly care for their children. These professionals frequently work with students exhibiting destructive or aggressive behaviors, such as self-harm, bullying, or violence toward peers.

Such behaviors, particularly in younger children, often indicate deeper issues in a child’s life. For example, classroom aggression might stem from witnessing domestic violence at home. School social workers develop clinical interventions that address the root causes of problematic behavior, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

Healthcare social workers

Social workers in healthcare settings typically work in hospitals or clinics. Their primary role often involves supporting patients adjusting to new health diagnoses, particularly chronic or debilitating conditions. Healthcare social workers may also help patients address underlying life problems that contributed to their healthcare needs, such as trauma, substance use, mental illness, or domestic violence. When patients transition from hospital stays back to their homes, social workers can connect them with necessary additional services, such as in-home care support.

What defines a therapist?

According to professional mental health organizations, a therapist is “an individual who has been trained in and practices one or more types of therapy to treat mental or physical disorders or diseases. In mental health, the term is often used synonymously with psychotherapist.”

Some social workers perform the same functions as therapists if they have a master’s degree and provide mental health support to their clients, whether in family, school, or healthcare settings. However, not all social workers fulfill these roles. Therapists typically focus on helping clients replace unproductive thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones that enhance their lives and improve their relationships.

Comparing clinical social workers and therapists

Like social workers, therapists can specialize in different areas. These specializations might relate to specific mental health conditions they treat, techniques they employ, or relationship dynamics they emphasize. For example, trauma therapists focus on post-traumatic stress disorder, behavioral therapists work with clients to modify behaviors, and marriage and family therapists address relationship dynamics between clients and their family members.

Most therapists specialize to some degree, often based on their work environment. For instance, a therapist in a university counseling center would likely focus on mental health conditions and stressors commonly affecting young adults in academic settings. Marriage and family therapists need skills for navigating family conflicts. While therapists need advanced knowledge in their focus areas, they typically don’t require extensive knowledge about resources and systems outside their specialty. Social workers, conversely, generally need experience navigating broader societal systems such as public resources and child welfare support. Social work often aims to address both physical and mental health needs.

Finding the right mental health support for your situation

After learning about social workers and other types of therapists, you might wonder which mental health professional would best support your specific situation. If you anticipate needing assistance with aspects of your life beyond mental health, a social worker may be particularly helpful. If you primarily need someone to discuss life challenges or mental health symptoms, you might connect with a therapist who isn’t necessarily a licensed clinical social worker. For example, marriage and family therapists often help with conflicts between parents and older children. Social workers, meanwhile, can assist parents of chronically ill children who spend significant time in hospital settings.

Regardless of which mental health professional best fits your needs, consider exploring telehealth options through platforms like ReachLink. Online therapy can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, including your home, and many telehealth providers offer flexible scheduling. If finding an in-person therapist or social worker who can accommodate your schedule proves difficult, virtual therapy may be a more practical solution.

The effectiveness of telehealth therapy

Research demonstrates that online therapy can be as effective for addressing mental health concerns as in-person therapy. One study found that cognitive behavioral therapy delivered in virtual settings successfully reduced symptoms of various mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, phobias, mood disorders, and panic disorder. CBT is a therapeutic approach that works to change negative thought patterns and help individuals develop more positive thinking styles, enabling them to modify unhelpful behaviors. Telehealth platforms like ReachLink connect you with licensed professional therapists who may have expertise in social work, mental health counseling, family therapy, psychology, and other specialties to provide the support you need.

Takeaway

“Therapist” serves as a broad umbrella term that includes social workers with master’s degrees and LCSW credentials. You might benefit from working with a social worker if you need support with areas of your life beyond mental health challenges, such as economic concerns or parenting issues. Whatever type of mental health professional you seek, telehealth platforms can provide a convenient option for finding providers. Working with a therapist, whether for relationship support or individual needs, can help you develop tools and strategies to improve areas of concern and work toward a healthier, more productive life.