The social work profession approaches mental health issues not merely as individual problems but as systemic challenges within social, economic, and cultural contexts. Living conditions, social environments, family structures, unemployment, poverty, discrimination, and traumatic life experiences are all determining factors influencing mental health.
The main responsibilities of social workers in the field of mental health include:
Psychosocial assessment and support,
Guiding clients in accessing resources,
Working with families and support networks,
Organizing group work and support groups,
Developing community-based mental health projects,
Advocacy based on a human rights approach.
Especially after the pandemic, increasing levels of loneliness, anxiety, and uncertainty have made social workers more visible in providing community-based mental health services. Working in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, shelters, and within the justice system, social workers address not only the symptoms but also the comprehensive needs of their clients. University social work departments continue to equip students with theoretical knowledge and field experience in mental health and psychosocial support. Today’s social workers stand out not only as supportive professionals but also as empowering advocates.
Mental health is not only an individual concern but also a societal one. The holistic and human rights-based approaches of social workers are essential in building healthier and more resilient communities.
