Definition of Clinical Social Worker
A clinical social worker is a practitioner trained, educated and licensed at the graduate level---with a master's degree or higher in social work---to provide mental health services for individuals, families and groups. According to the Mental Health Channel, clinical social workers are skilled in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, behavioral and emotional disorders. Clinical social workers work in social services settings, hospitals, correctional facilities or in private practice, helping clients achieve stability and enhanced functioning.
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History
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The historical roots of clinical social work can be traced to the 1920s. The Social Work History website reports that Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, launched 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 shifted with increasing attention on individual social adjustment. Social workers soon realized their potential contribution to mental health services within psychiatric settings. By mid-20th century, psychiatric social work was an accepted area of practice and laid the foundation for what would be labeled "clinical social work" by the 1970s.
Qualifications
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Clinical social workers practice in public or private settings, with clients referred by doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, school personnel, courts and other agencies. Successful job applicants must have a master's degree in social work and two years of supervised work experience under a licensed clinical social worker. They must also have a license to practice under 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.
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Practices
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Clinical social workers' practices adhere to the ethics of social work and are based on the client's current situation, according to the NASW. Clinical social workers frequently use cognitive, social learning, rational-emotive and evidence-based approaches based on social work theory. The NASW states that social workers deliver nearly two-thirds of the mental health services accessed in the United States.
Function
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Clinical social workers, the NASW says, distinguish themselves from other clinicians in that advocacy, empowerment and social justice efforts are a significant component of the services and interventions offered. From adoption to end-of-life care, clinical social workers have a role to play. Clinical social workers assist clients with mental health problems, addictions, substance abuse, domestic violence, divorce, grief, poverty and most other issues that challenge human beings.
Considerations
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A clinical social worker's goals when helping a client are determined by the specific needs, strengths and environment of that client. However, a critical aim of clinical social work is that clients learn how to help themselves. Their mission, according to the NASW, is that the client's dignity is respected and maintained, regardless of the client's culture, race, gender, class or social status, sexual orientation, educational level, religious affiliation, age or marital status.
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