Social Workers: What Do They Do and How Are They Different From Therapists?
When you're looking for mental health support, the range of professional titles can feel confusing. Psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, social worker—what do these titles actually mean, and how do you choose?
At Peachey Counselling and Family Support, several of our dedicated team members are Registered Social Workers (RSWs). They are an integral part of our practice, bringing a unique and powerful perspective to mental health care. This post will demystify the role of social workers, explain how they support mental health, and help you understand when seeing a social worker might be the right choice for you or your family.
What is a Social Worker?
A social worker is a trained mental health professional who typically holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited university program. This graduate-level education involves rigorous academic coursework combined with extensive supervised clinical training, often including hundreds of hours of hands-on field placements in settings like hospitals, community agencies, or clinics.
To practice independently and use protected titles like "Registered Social Worker" (RSW) in Ontario, or "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" in other jurisdictions, they must also register with their provincial regulatory college and meet ongoing continuing education requirements. This ensures they are qualified, ethical, and accountable professionals.
What Kind of Work Do Social Workers Do?
What truly sets social workers apart is their unique professional lens. Their work is grounded in a set of core beliefs that shape how they approach mental health:
The Person-in-Environment Perspective: Social workers are trained to see you not just as an individual with symptoms, but as a whole person living within a complex web of relationships, communities, and systems. They understand that factors like your income, housing, employment, cultural background, and family dynamics are deeply connected to your mental well-being.
A Holistic and Systems-Focused Approach: Because of this perspective, a social worker's goals extend beyond just treating the immediate symptoms of anxiety or depression. They are skilled at helping you identify and navigate the external stressors impacting your life. This might involve connecting you with community resources, advocating for your needs within a larger system (like a school or workplace), or helping you strengthen your support network. They blend clinical therapeutic skills with advocacy and resource linkage.
Commitment to Social Justice and Empowerment: The profession is built on a foundation of respect for human dignity and a commitment to social justice. Social workers aim to empower individuals and families to overcome barriers and build on their own strengths. They are particularly skilled at working with marginalized and vulnerable populations.
What Kind of Mental Health Challenges Can a Social Worker Help With?
The scope of practice for a clinical social worker is broad. They are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. The therapy they provide is evidence-based and can include modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and family therapy.
They can help with challenges such as:
Anxiety, depression, and stress
Trauma and grief
Relationship and family conflict
Life transitions (separation, divorce, parenting challenges, career changes)
Issues related to caregiving
Navigating systems like child welfare, disability support, or housing
What’s the Difference Between a Social Worker and a Therapist or Counsellor?
This is a common and important question. In Canada, the distinctions can be subtle, but understanding them helps you make an informed choice.
Social Workers (RSWs): Their defining feature is the person-in-environment perspective. While they are fully trained to provide psychotherapy, their approach is inherently broader. They are as concerned with the stressors in your environment as they are with your internal world. They are trained to be both a clinician and a systems navigator/advocate.
Psychotherapists and Counsellors: These are often broad terms that can apply to professionals with different educational backgrounds. Regulation varies by province. Generally, their focus is primarily on providing talk therapy to address mental and emotional issues. Their training is deeply rooted in therapeutic modalities, with less emphasis on the broader social systems and resource navigation that is central to social work.
Psychologists: Typically hold a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and are experts in psychological testing, assessment, and research-backed therapy. They are highly trained in the science of behavior and mental processes.
Psychiatrists: Are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They are the only mental health professionals on this list who can prescribe medication and often manage the biological aspects of severe mental illness.
The key takeaway: While all these professionals can provide excellent therapy, a social worker brings a unique lens that integrates your internal world with your external circumstances. As noted by the Canadian Medical Association, social workers "provide talk therapy and look at issues in the context of the social determinants of health (e.g., income, education, cultural background)."
When is it More Appropriate to See a Social Worker Versus a Therapist?
Choosing the right professional depends on your unique situation and needs. Here are some scenarios where seeing a social worker might be particularly beneficial:
When your stress is connected to life circumstances: If you're feeling overwhelmed by factors like financial strain, housing insecurity, caregiving responsibilities, or navigating complex systems (like applying for disability benefits), a social worker's skills in resource navigation and advocacy can be life-changing. They can help you address the practical stressors that are fueling your mental health struggles.
When you're navigating family or relationship challenges within a larger system: For example, if you are a parent dealing with your child's school system around an issue like bullying or an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a social worker can help you advocate effectively while also providing support for the family's emotional dynamics.
When you value a holistic, context-focused approach: If you want a therapist who will actively consider how your community, culture, and social environment are impacting you, a social worker is an excellent choice.
For many general mental health concerns: Social workers are highly skilled therapists for common issues like anxiety, depression, and grief. In fact, for many people seeking talk therapy for the first time, a Registered Social Worker is an ideal and cost-effective place to start.
When a different professional might be the first choice:
If you believe you may need medication, a psychiatrist or your family doctor would be the first point of contact.
If you require complex psychological testing (for learning disabilities, ADHD, etc.), a psychologist is the specialist to see.
Social Workers at Peachey Counselling: A Vital Part of Your Support Team
At Peachey Counselling, our Registered Social Workers are an invaluable part of our team. They bring their unique blend of clinical expertise and systems-level thinking to support children, teens, adults, and families through a wide array of challenges. Whether they are providing individual therapy, mediating family conflicts, or helping a client access community resources, their goal is always to empower you within the full context of your life.
We hope this guide has helped clarify the vital role social workers play in mental health. If you have questions about which of our professionals might be right for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help you find the support that best fits your needs.
Whatever it is, we’re here for you.
Life is uncertain. Jobs are stressful. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And, sometimes love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s okay to ask for some help.
REFERENCES / RESOURCES
Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) 111 Frequently Asked Questions
Canadian Medical Association (CMA) What are the different types of mental health professionals?
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). About the Profession
Blueprint.ai Clinical Social Worker: What They Do and How to Become One
Manulife A Guide to Mental Health Professionals in Canada
