Social Work:

 What are the Myths?  What are the Facts?

Maybe you've heard lots of things about social work or don't know much at all. Read here to learn about some common myths about social work.  Then, read the facts!

MYTH:  Social service employees, caseworkers, case managers, and volunteers are "social workers".

FACTS: 

A social worker is a trained professional who has a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in social work.

All states license or otherwise regulate social work practice.

A social service employee, caseworker, case manager, or community volunteer is NOT a social worker unless he or she has a social work degree.

MYTH:  For therapy or counseling you need to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

FACTS:

Professional social workers provide MOST of America's mental health services.

Professional social workers are often the ONLY mental health providers serving residents of poor, rural communities.

Many insurance providers will only reimburse (pay) for mental health services provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or medical doctor.

MYTH:  Most social workers are employed in public welfare or child welfare, "giving welfare" or "taking people's children".

FACTS:

Only a fourth of all child welfare cases are handled by professional social workers.

Professional social workers practice in many settings: family service agencies, mental health centers, schools, hospitals, private industry, courts, police departments, child advocacy centers, foster care and adoption agencies, family counseling centers, shelters, and private practices.

People who determine eligibility for "welfare" are most often not social workers.

Professional social workers would only remove children whose life or safety was in danger, as a last resort.

More than 200 professional social workers hold elective office, including one U.S. Senator and four Representatives.

MYTH:  Most social workers work for the government.

FACTS:

Fewer than 3 percent of all professional social workers work for the federal government.

Only about a third of all professional workers are employed by federal, state, or local governments.