Mental health and substance abuse social workers assess and treat people who have mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.
Webforms
Print Occupation
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Human Services
What do they typically do
- Counsel individuals or groups who have issues like substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals
- Evaluate clients' mental or physical condition through interviews, record reviews, assessments, and consultation with other professionals
- Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment
- Counsel or aid family members to help them understand, cope with, and support the client or patient
- Refer client or family to community resources for housing or treatment, following through to make sure the services worked
- Modify treatment plans to reflect changes in the client's situation
- Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, and available community resources
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth
+1.7%
Job Opening
385
Education & Training
- Education Most require a graduate degree like a master's, Ph.D., M.D., or law degree.Associated Programs or MajorsLicense
Private Training Programs
3053
3553
Change 500
Video:Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Video provided CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labour, Employment and Training Administration and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development.