What people think they know about social work is often a myth.
Most social workers work for the government.
About a third of all professional social workers are employed by federal, state, and local governments combined. For therapy you need a psychologist or psychiatrist. Professional social workers are often the only mental health care providers serving residents of many poor, rural counties. Social work is designated as one of the four core mental health professions under federal legislation that established the National Institute of Mental Health. Most social workers are employed in public welfare or child welfare.