Adding a social worker to our primary care setting removes barriers and improves access for patients.

What does a Social Worker do?

A social worker helps people cope with challenges in every stage of their lives. Social workers work with many populations, including children, people with disabilities, and people with addictions.

Clinical social workers typically do the following:

• Diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders, including anxiety and depression
• Provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy
• Assess clients’ histories, backgrounds, and situations to understand their needs, as well as their strengths and weaknesses
• Develop a treatment plan with the client, doctors, and other healthcare professionals
• Encourage clients to discuss their emotions and experiences to develop a better understanding of themselves and their relationships
• Help clients adjust to changes in their life, such as a divorce or being laid-off
• Work with clients to develop strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations
• Refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health professionals
• Evaluate their clients’ progress and, if necessary, adjust the treatment plan