Psychiatric social workers, also referred to as clinical social workers or mental social workers, help individuals with mental or emotional disorders deal with social problems such as substance abuse or child neglect.
Psychiatric social workers perform most of their work in hospitals, clinics and other health care centers. They help mentally or emotionally disturbed individuals adapt to outside environments and help them develop their social skills. They act as a resource to patients to help them settle into their lifestyle after being discharged from a treatment program or facility. Psychiatric social workers consult with psychiatrists and psychologists and other health care workers. Most social workers work 40-hours a week, but occasionally may work evenings and weekends. While social work can be difficult because of emotional strain, it is also challenging and rewarding.
Education: 4-6 years
Patient Interaction: High
Physical Activity: Medium
Salary: $47,583
Job Growth: Low
Psychologist/Doctor of Psychology/Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD/PsyD/LCS)
Mental Health Counselor (MHC)/Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
The recommended minimum requirement for most positions is a bachelors degree in social work, psychology, sociology or a related field. A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is usually required for social workers seeking positions in the health and mental health fields. Social workers must also adhere to certification, licensing and registration laws in the state of Wisconsin.
Cardinal Stritch University
Carroll University
Carthage College
Concordia University
Marian University
Marquette University
Mount Mary College
Northland College
Rasmussen College – Appleton Campus
Rasmussen College – Green Bay Campus
St. Norbert College
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin – Fond du Lac
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
University of Wisconsin – Madison
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin – River Falls
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
University of Wisconsin – Stout
University of Wisconsin – Superior
University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Upper Iowa University – Blackhawk Center
Upper Iowa University – Elkhorn
Upper Iowa University – Madison
Upper Iowa University – Milwaukee
Upper Iowa University – Prairie du Chien
Upper Iowa University – Wausau
Viterbo University
American Council for School Social Work
acssw.org/
American School Counselor Association
1101 King Street, Suite 310
Alexandria, VA, 22314
703/683-ASCA
www.schoolcounselor.org/
Council on Social Work Education
1701 Duke St., Suite 200
Alexandria, VA, 22314-3457
703/683-8080
www.cswe.org
Midwest Council School Social Workers
midwestssw.org/?page_id=8
National Association of Social Workers
750 First St. NE, Suite 800
Washington, DC, 20002-4241
202/408-8600 or 800/742-4089
www.naswdc.org
National Association of Social Workers – Wisconsin Chapter
131 W. Wilson, Suite 903
Madison, WI, 53703
608/257-6334 or 866/462-7994
www.naswwi.org
Network for Social Work Management
905 E. 8th St.
Los Angeles, CA, 90021
213/553-1870
www.socialworkmanager.org
School Social Work Association of America
PO Box 3068
London, KY, 40743
800/588-4149
www.sswaa.org/
Wisconsin Nursing Home Social Workers Association
3300 W. Brewster Street
Appleton, WI, 54914
920/225-1985
wnhswa.org/
Wisconsin School Social Workers Association
www.wsswa.org/
Number Employed in 2012 (Wisconsin): 1,440
Number Employed in 2014 (U.S.): 66,400
Expected Employment in 2024 (U.S.): 68,900
Percent Employment Growth (2014-2024): 4%
Expected Annual Openings: 1,850
Median Salary in 2014 (Wisconsin): $47,583
Salary information is located at Career One Stop
Wisconsin AHEC Health Careers Information Center provides the most current salary information available from CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop will have a lapse between when the information is gathered and when it is released.
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