Clinical social workers may update their skills and specialize in specific mental health issues

Students who are seeking a master's in social work may be considering careers as licensed clinical professionals. They may eventually work in a community health center or private agency setting. These clinicians will likely encounter a number of clients who suffer from mild or severe mental health issues.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all social workers should be prepared for difficult interpersonal interactions with their clients. Mental health community workers, in particular, will encounter individuals who have personality issues that make social interaction difficult, the BLS notes.

Clinical professionals are expected to engage in continued education to better serve their clients. A number of agencies help counselors and therapists develop expanded skill sets. These organizations may enable students to address a variety of mental health conditions.

For example, on February 10, the Illinois-based Janet Wattles Center will offer a seminar on dialectical behavior therapy, according to the Rockford Register Star. This treatment method helps individuals who have borderline personality disorder (BPD) learn to cope in the world at large.

BPD can often occur together with severe substance abuse issues, according to the news outlet.

Social work professionals who learn about similar therapeutic strategies may be well-equipped to serve their clients who have BPD.  

POSTED BY: ec_admin - February 4th, 2011 at 03:53pm ( 0 )