Social workers, like other health professionals such as doctors and psychologists, will now have a more powerful voice in addressing issues such as healthcare. This is the first time that any NASW chapter has entered into such an alliance with a union. Social Work Alliance. Only selected activities, especially lobbying, will be carried out in the name of the Alliance and the selection of those activities will be determined by a joint steering committee. The Alliance will give credibility, as well as provide expertise, in addressing non-health related issues familiar to social work, such as child welfare and social policy.
Social workers are the nation's largest provider of mental health and therapy services.
Social workers are also the main providers of mental health care in rural and poverty areas in the United States. NASW has a membership of 155,000 with chapters in every state. In New York, social workers are providers of mental health and social welfare support in both private and public institutions. That is what these organizations are all about. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers.