Why a Masters Degree in Social Work?
Social work is a profession for individuals with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives. Social workers assist people by helping them cope with a wide assortment of issues ranging from problems in their everyday lives, to dealing with their relationships, personal, and family problems, disability, health issues, social problems, substance abuse, unemployment, housing, domestic conflicts, and child or spousal abuse. Social workers also play a more administrative role in health and government, championing social justice, conducting research, lobbing for improved social services, designing social systems, and developing policy. Many professionals are drawn to social work by personal causes, and find their niche specializing in a unique type of practice. An advanced degree in social work can help you find your place as a professional social worker, prepare you for licensure, and open the door to different types of practice. Child, family and school social workers provide assistance
Marriage Counseling is not really a profession. Any Clinical Social Worker or Clinical Psychloogist can and do provide marriage counseling. Any psychiatrist can provide marriage counseling. Therefore, there is not a unique body of knowledge relative to marriage and family counseling. The first Text in Family Counseling was written in the 1800s entitled "Social Diagnosis" by Mary Richmond who was a Social Worker.
In 1968, the California State Legislature created the Marriage Counseling Profession. Initially,the title was Marriage, Family and Child Counselor (MFCC). Some years later, the title was changed to MFT, Marriage and Family Therapist.
The history of Licensed Professional Counselors is even shorter. This new "profession" was created via legislation during the 1980s.
Federal, State and County law mandates thousands of jobs which can only be filled by Masters level Social Workers. Federal, State and County law provides funding for the training of Social Workers. In addition, Federal Government offers "loan forgiveness" for the training of Social Workers. In contrast, there are jobs anywhere nor government sanction for Counselors.
Finally, since World War 11, 62% of all mental health services have been provided by Clinical Social Workers.
Related Questions
- If an individual with a bachelors or masters degree in social work continues to work after January 1, 2001 without receiving either the RSW or GSW credential, what happens to them when they do apply for the credential?
- What is the difference between a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, and Professional Counseling?
- Masters degree in counseling or social work?
