People who have mental health and substance use concerns can benefit from working with psychiatric social workers. Psychiatric social workers can be valuable figures who help their clients achieve their treatment and life goals.
Psychiatric social workers must have a master’s degree in social work and a license in social work. They are trained in mental health treatment, risk assessment and crisis resolution.
Psychiatric social workers can engage in numerous important tasks, including:
- Conducting mental health and psychiatric assessments
- Helping diagnose mental health conditions
- Conducting risk assessments
- Working with clients individually or in a group to help them manage challenges or concerns
- Intervening in crises
- Helping create treatment plans
- Connecting clients with community resources
- Designing programs to meet the needs of clients
The work of a psychiatric social worker is not easy. Many psychiatric social workers may work weekends, nights and other irregular hours to support their clients. Also, the work can be emotionally and even physically demanding.
All psychiatric social workers must always follow a code of ethics and act with professionalism. They must be able to advise their clients, follow documentation standards and create and maintain programs. Additionally, psychiatric social workers must have excellent assessment, communication, listening, problem-solving and organizational skills.
Psychiatric social workers regularly collaborate with their clients’ therapists, psychiatrists, mental health technicians and others involved in the clients’ care to make sure the clients are getting the best possible treatment. While interacting with clients, excellent psychiatric social workers show empathy so the clients know their thoughts and emotions are validated and understood.
Psychiatric social workers are committed to professional development, earning continuing education hours each year to keep up with the changing demands of their field.
If you see a psychiatric social worker, be sure to thank them for all they do! Their work does not only benefit their clients but also benefits the community and society.
If you or a loved one need help, the UofL Health – Peace Hospital Assessment and Referral Center offers no-charge assessments at 502-451-3333.
