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Career and Job Search Guide
  

Mental Health Social Worker

Mental health problems are becoming more common in the United States. This has created huge demand for mental health social workers. These professionals assist people struggling with mental health issues.

People often do not seek assistance for their mental health problems until hitting rock bottom. Common events that trigger the decision to meet with a social worker include death of loved ones, divorces, job losses, and financial problems.

After natural or other disasters, such as terrorist attacks, social workers provide valuable services for individuals and communities. They also make themselves available to first responders since they frequently encounter disturbing situations. For example, following the terrorists attacks in New York in 2001, social workers were available to assist distraught first responders.

Certain mental health social workers conduct research and develop experimental treatment procedures. They also work to improve existing treatment strategies.

Working as a mental health social worker can be difficult since they often work in volatile environments. For example, it is not uncommon to work with people struggling with serious mental health problems, such as bi-polar disorder. Most social workers would agree, however, the benefits of their jobs outweigh anything negative they might encounter.

There will always be demand for social workers, especially ones specializing in mental health. Those with patience and a desire to help people struggling with emotional and mental health problems can make a big difference as a mental health social worker.

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