Social Worker vs. Therapist: Roles, Responsibilities, and Realities [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Published on August 28, 2024
If your goal is to provide support and care for other people, then you may be wondering what the difference is between a social worker vs. therapist.
Both of these careers can be fulfilling options in which you’ll regularly get to help other people.
There are key differences between these two job categories, though. Once you better understand what makes each career distinctive, you might be ready to select the path that’s right for you.
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Social workers help people be more successful in their daily lives. They often assist people in getting connected to programs and services that can meet their needs. For example, social workers may play a role in helping people access food or housing.
In addition, some social workers with advanced training, such as those with a Master of Social Work (MSW), can provide therapy services. Therapists are mental health professionals. They may conduct assessments of clients, provide diagnoses, and offer treatment plans, which typically include counseling services.
Therapists aim to help clients shift their thoughts and behavior and improve their relationships and mental well-being.
A social worker is a professional who supports people facing life challenges. For example, a social worker can help when someone is dealing with a physical disability, an illness, food insecurity, or parenting struggles.
Social workers are familiar with the network of programs and services that exist to help people. In their work, they often help clients get connected to these services. Some social workers are able to offer therapy to their clients as well. Their therapy services may include referrals to outside agencies.
The goal of social work is to help people manage challenges and live thriving lives.
According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), there are many different types of social workers, such as:
There are additional specialties as well. For example, some social workers specialize in helping people with disabilities, and others work with the elderly.
A therapist is a professional who specializes in mental health support and improvement. Licensed therapists help people talk through their problems and practice different ways of thinking and acting. Therapy can be useful for people with relationship problems, mental health disorders, and stressful life issues.
Therapists work with clients in group or individual counseling sessions. During those sessions, they may conduct assessments, which can be useful in forming a mental health diagnosis. They also develop plans for helping clients with the areas in which they struggle, such as stress management, positive thinking, or interpersonal relationships.
Therapists can specialize in various methods of therapy. They can also offer their services to specific groups of people. Here are some common types of therapists:
Some therapists incorporate music, art, dance, horses, or other opportunities for creativity and interaction into their therapy sessions.
There are multiple factors to consider when learning about the difference between a social worker vs counselor or therapist.
To help you learn more about the differences, take a look at the schooling and skills for each discipline as well as the potential job titles and responsibilities.
The education needed to become a social worker depends on your goals and the state in which you live. Many people can begin this career with a bachelor’s degree in social work online or on campus.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), social workers who provide therapy typically earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and become licensed. Several different master’s degrees could lead to a career as a therapist. In either a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) program, you could choose to study:
Social work and therapy doctoral programs are available too.
Social workers and therapists use many of the same skills. Since they both work with people, it’s beneficial for both groups to be good listeners and communicators. They also need to keep accurate, detailed records of their interactions with clients. In both roles, it’s helpful to be a creative problem-solver as well.
Other skills that a social worker or a therapist will need may depend on the specialty area. For example, a social worker who works with the elderly may require patience as well as knowledge of the aging process. A therapist who focuses on play therapy needs to understand child psychology.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for social workers is $55,350, and there’s a 7% growth rate expected over the next ten years. This growth reflects the expanding roles in the field, including the distinction between a social worker vs. case manager, who, while both essential in guiding clients through services, focus on different elements of client care and advocacy.
Advanced licensure is possible with a master’s degree. Common work environments include hospitals and government agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that marriage and family therapists earn an annual median of $56,570, with positions increasing at a 15% rate over the next ten years.
Therapists often work for service agencies or healthcare organizations, and many are self-employed. Either career could potentially lead to a job as a community or social service manager, which pays a median of $74,240 per year.
Social workers help people meet their basic needs and be successful in their daily activities, such as interacting with others or learning at school. They are familiar with the available support services in their area and know how to connect the right clients to the right services. Within this context, understanding the distinctions between an LMSW vs. LCSW is important, as it sheds light on the scope of practice and the depth of intervention social workers are authorized to provide.
Therapists, on the other hand, provide counseling services for people who have mental health disorders or life struggles. They regularly employ assessment strategies and counseling techniques. When it comes to LCSW vs. therapist, there is often more overlap. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) may refer the people they counsel to community services.
In the diverse field of social work and counseling, unique insights and experiences from current professionals can showcase the multifaceted nature of these roles.
For instance, according to Jaime Goldberg, her role as a palliative care social worker involves supporting individuals and families through complex healthcare challenges associated with serious illnesses.
She emphasizes the importance of integrating clinical social work principles with the values of palliative care, focusing on understanding the strengths and histories of her clients. Goldberg’s work also entails managing dynamics within teams and families, where her skills in conflict resolution and problem-solving are essential.
According to Cristina Leal, her role as a crisis counselor for a school district is both rewarding and challenging. She emphasizes the importance of mental health support in schools and the need for more professionals in this area.
Leal also highlights how her work with the students is emotionally taxing. As a result, she implements her own self-care strategies, including therapy and physical exercise. Despite these challenges, she finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on students’ lives, underscoring the importance of emotional intelligence and self-advocacy in young people.
The reflections of Goldberg and Leal not only highlight the complexities and rewards of their professions but also underscore the profound impact these roles have on individuals and communities.
Is a social worker a therapist? Social workers with the right training, licensure, and experience can be therapists. Instead of debating between licensed clinical social worker vs therapist, you could choose to perform both roles.
To become a social worker who conducts therapy, it’s necessary to first get a master’s degree in social work. In addition, you’re required to complete an internship in which you practice your therapy skills in a supervised setting.
After you pass your state’s licensure exam, you can work independently as a therapist. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) can provide diagnosis and treatment for mental health concerns.
Now that you know what is the difference between a social worker and a therapist, you can better decide which career path you would like to pursue.
If your goal is to help people access the resources they need in life, then you may want to be a social worker. If you would prefer to focus on counseling and mental health, then you might consider a career as a therapist. Since both job tracks require a college education, you could start exploring accredited schools today to get started with an on-campus or online degree program.
The sooner you find an accredited program that fits your needs, the sooner you can begin making a lasting difference for others.
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