These social workers assess a patient's needs, plan for care after hospitalization, educate patients and their families, and help them cope with emotional problems related to the illness. Social workers are vital members of the health care team often helping other health professionals understand the social and emotional aspects of illness. Health care social workers are hired by health maintenance organizations, nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, hospices, and group homes. Many people at some point in their lives need mental health services to cope with life stress. Clinical social workers are the largest group of professionally trained mental health providers in the United States, supplying more than half of counseling and therapy services.
Social workers emphasize helping people help themselves.
They are found in a wide variety of settings. Many have private practices. They must be licensed or certified in the state in which they practice. Mental health social workers are found in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, employee assistance programs, schools, and family service agencies. Developmental Disabilities People with developmental disabilities, which can include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and other conditions may use social services to help improve social adjustments and to learn to be as independent as possible.