The following information was collected from the website for the National Association of Social Workers, www.helpstartshere.org. Here are some basics to consider.
What do social workers do?
In thousands of ways, social workers help people help themselves. People of every age and every background. In every corner of the country, wherever we’re needed.
Social workers are uniquely qualified to help people in their own environment, by looking at all the aspects of their life and cultures. We work to ensure your personal well-being, to prevent crises, to counsel individuals and families, and to help build strong communities.
We make sure people get the help they need, from the best resources available. Social workers help people in every stage of life overcome life’s most difficult challenges, and the troubles of everyday living.
Social workers reach every part of the community. They work at mental health clinics, hospitals and hospice care, adoption agencies, nonprofit organizations, and also, in schools, courts, military service, senior centers, and prisons. Wherever and whenever you need help, social workers are there.
Finding a Social Worker:
There are many places to find professional social workers who provide individual psychotherapy and other forms of mental health assistance, including group therapy and support groups. Use these online directories below to help jump-start your search for the right therapist. These sites list thousands of clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other licensed mental health professionals.
Therapy involves talking with a trained professional about conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to relationship conflicts and career frustrations. Therapy provides ways to express feelings, understand patterns of thinking, gain perspective on past events and current relationships, set goals, and clarify dreams for the future. Specific resources are: Online therapy.com, Psychology Today and Network therapy.com
If you have particular experience with social workers, or questions to ask, post your comments below, and we'll do our best to address them, here an/or in the support group.
Wishing the best for you and your grand family,
Ann Marie