Social Workers Essay

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LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS A social worker is specially trained to provide many different types of services for individuals, families and groups. There is a wide range of social workers who are employed in various areas of social work specializations. In the mental health field, there are what is commonly referred to as psychiatric social workers or licensed clinical social workers. Their job can be both therapeutic and diagnostic, meaning the worker strives to identify the root of the client’s problem, and assists them in learning to cope with day to day aspects of their life. A clinician, one who works directly with clients, is a professional trained in the mental health, as well as the social work field. They mainly practice in …show more content…

Society in general can be conflicted about mental illness as some do not see it as a legitimate illness. Many times insurance companies will refuse to pay for treatment on what they see as “not a real problem.” In addition, at the county and state levels, budget constraints can impact what money is available to individual Health Services agencies. Sometimes creating cracks for those without private insurance to fall through. As a direct care social worker, LCSW’s are able to act as an advocate for their client in all the aspects of the client’s life. Whether it be educational, financial, or legal, they can make sure that the client’s rights are being protected. Furthermore, LCSW’s give the added protection of making sure that their client is not being taken advantage of by family or society. Some have even been asked to testify in court or legal cases. Because almost fifty percent of adults may experience a mental illness in their lifetime, this creates a heavy caseload for social workers. One of the biggest drawbacks workers cite as stressful in their career, is the volume of cases they have open at any given time. This can create what is called burnout, leading workers to experience a sense of failure and lack of accomplishment. This is a problem for the individual, as well as the entire social work

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