Information

 

What is a Mental Health Counselor or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?

The National Academy of Certified Mental Health Counselors defines Clinical Mental Health Counseling as:

 

"...the provision of professional counseling services involving the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families and groups, for the purpose of treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health.

 

The practice of mental health counseling includes, but is not limited to, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, psychoeducational techniques aimed at prevention of such disorders, consultations to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities, and clinical research into more effective psychotherapeutic treatment modalities."

 

What is a Clinical Social Worker?

Social Work is a profession devoted to helping a person to be the best they can be in their environment. To be a social worker, one must have a degree in social work from a college or university program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education According to the NASW (National Association of Social Workers), “the practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social, economic and cultural institutions, and of the interaction of all these factors as well as skills in developing relationships, brokering and accessing services, assessing needs and facilitating change.”

More information on social workers can be found at www.helpstartshere.org