What is a clinical social worker?A clinical social worker is a
professional counselor who helps to assess and alleviate problems related
to personal, family, or social situations. Clinical social workers are a
vital part of the rehabilitation multidisciplinary team, and help provide
support for the patient and family, coordinate discharge planning and
insurance benefits, and assist
with financial problems and family conflicts.
Most clinical social workers have earned at least a Master's degree
in social work, and have completed at least two years of post-graduate,
supervised, clinical social work employment.
Clinical social workers may practice in a variety of settings,
including the following:
- hospitals
- psychiatric care settings
- community organizations
- industrial health centers
- schools
- home health settings
- private practice
- private social service agencies
Clinical social workers qualify as approved providers in most managed
care and insurance plans.