Understanding Social Workers in Mental Health
Social workers are qualified professionals who support people with a wide range of social, practical, and legal issues linked to mental health. In England, they are regulated by Social Work England and must meet national professional standards.
What Do Social Workers Do?
Their role can vary depending on the setting, but in mental health services they often focus on assessment, safeguarding, and coordinating support.
- Assessment: They assess a person’s needs, considering their mental health, home life, family situation, finances, housing, and support network.
- Care and Support Planning: They help develop care or support plans, particularly where social care needs are involved.
- Advocacy and Rights: They help people understand their rights and access services they are entitled to, including housing, benefits, and community support.
- Safeguarding: Social workers have a duty to act if someone is at risk of abuse or neglect.
- Crisis and Legal Work: Some social workers are trained as Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs). AMHPs have specific legal powers under the Mental Health Act, including coordinating Mental Health Act assessments and making applications for detention where necessary.
Working Alongside Other Professionals
Social workers work closely with GPs, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, and support workers. Their focus is often on the social factors that affect mental health, such as housing, family dynamics, financial stress, and access to community support.
How Are Social Workers Different?
Unlike some other professionals, social workers look beyond medical treatment. They consider how a person’s environment, relationships, and social circumstances affect their mental health.
They also have specific legal duties under laws such as the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended).
Accessing a Social Worker
In most cases, adult mental health social workers are employed by the local authority. You can usually access them through your local council’s adult social care team, or via a referral from your GP or mental health team.
If you are already under a community mental health team, a social worker may be part of that team.
A Final Note
Social workers combine practical support with legal responsibility. Their role is not only supportive, but also protective and statutory when required.