Frequently Asked Questions

Where do clinical social workers work?
Members of the profession work in a wide variety of settings:

  • Mental Health Agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Industry
  • Family service agencies
  • Courts
  • Prisons
  • Health maintenance organizations
  • Child guidance clinics
  • Private practices
  • Schools
  • Employee assistance plans
What makes clinical social workers qualified to provide these services?
Clinical social workers have national standards of practice, nationwide regulation and a comprehensive Code of Ethics. They are recognized as independent providers of mental health services by all federal programs and the majority of private insurance plans and managed mental health care companies. They are professionally educated, hold advanced degrees (MSW, DSW, Ph.D.), and are regulated (by licensure or certification) in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Clinical social workers undergo 2,000-3,000 hours of supervised training. A majority go on to complete advanced study focusing their knowledge in a particular area of work (family therapy, psychoanalysis, eating disorders, addictions, child and adolescent therapy, etc).
Are there many clinical social workers?
The Department of Health and Human Services and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimate the number of clinical social workers to be in excess of 190,000 nationwide. Recent national estimates are that clinical social workers provide up to 60% of all mental health services – far more than any professional group offering psychotherapy in the United States.
What is Clinical Social Work?

Clinical Social Work, sometimes known as psychiatric social work, is a practice specialty of the social work profession. Its members provide mental health services for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, behavioral and emotional disorders in individuals, families and groups. In their work, clinical social workers build upon the values, ethics, principles, practice methods, and the “person-in-environment” perspective of the social work profession. The primary focus, however, is the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional impairments.

Do We Have a Labor Affiliation?

VSCSW developed a connection with organized labor with the formation of the Clinical Social Work Guild. For a number of years the two organizations were essentially one and the same, but now the CSW Guild is a separate entity and membership is optional. Guild members enjoy participation with local labor councils and the opportunity to meet state legislators through that connection. Guild members value labor’s emphasis on quality health care for all workers and see a clear overlapping of agendas. Membership in the Clinical Social Work Guild has been very beneficial for many VSCSW members. Individuals are able to join the Guild through VSCSW, if they choose.

Do We Have a National Affiliation?

To ensure representation at the national level, VSCSW has affiliated with the Clinical Social Work Association, the new organization that grew out of the Clinical Social Work Federation. The CSWA offers consultation and expertise at the national level on legislative issues, lobbying strategies and licensing protection. This affiliation also enables us to receive affordable malpractice insurance rates.