The social work profession was founded in social change. Throughout the profession’s history, social workers have sought to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources and opportunities that allow them to meet their basic needs. social workers stand up for society’s most vulnerable.

Social work practice in behavioral health promotes well-being through by assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, substance use, and other addictions. Social work practice in behavioral health incorporates knowledge of human behavior, sociology, psychiatry, psychology, and many other social science disciplines. Individual, group and family therapy are common treatment modalities.

Social workers who provide behavioral health services may be required to be licensed or certified in their jurisdiction of practice. Behavioral health clinicians perform services in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, community mental health, primary care, treatment centers, and other agencies.