Career Choices Growing for Social Workers
The Critical Role Social Workers Play in Supporting Mental Health
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a new focus on the importance of mental health, particularly for children and young people. The new focus has put a spotlight on social workers, who provide much of the mental health counseling in the U.S. The shifts in the field, including telehealth, are allowing social workers to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities.
“People now talk about therapy as maintenance. We go to the doctor to get a physical, we are now taking care of our mental health,” says Alyssa Maestre, LCSW, Director of Career Services and Alumni Engagement at Erikson Institute. As a licensed social worker, Maestre says she is pleased with the recent destigmatization surrounding mental health. “Mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. We are realizing we need to take care of ourselves. It is becoming more important for us as a society.”
As one of the biggest providers of mental health counseling, social workers are perfectly positioned to help a wide range of clients who are looking for support. “People are seeking social workers who represent them, people in whom they see in themselves. Since the pandemic there has been a shortage of mental health professionals, especially for children. There is a real push to recruit social workers from different communities and backgrounds,” says Maggie Brett, LCSW, Interim Director of Erikson’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Program.
There is a wide range of career opportunities available for students who complete their MSW degree. From medical social work to working in a school or community setting, there are several directions students can take.
“As you grow and change as a professional, your degree can grow and change with you,” Maestre says. “There are a lot of different avenues you can take. There are so many skills you learn as a social worker that can be translated to different careers.” Maestre herself is a graduate of Erikson’s MSW program and is using the reflective, relationship-based skills she learned as a student in her role supporting Erikson alums.
Another benefit of an education is its emphasis on self-awareness and respect for diversity. “At Erikson, students learn to utilize a stance of cultural humility. This really benefits students as they build and navigate relationships no matter where their career takes them. Social work is a tremendously flexible career,” Maestre says.
Brett has been in the field of social work her entire career; she says the industry is now receiving the recognition it deserves. “When I first started out there was no licensure. Having licensure has shifted so many things for social workers, it has helped elevate the profession. Social work is valued,” she says. “There have been changes with insurance, we are now seeing more reimbursement for social work services. Insurance companies are recognizing their clients want to access mental health services.”
Most Erikson alumni enter direct service roles right after graduation. “The Master of Social Work can give you what you are looking for in the moment but allow you to grow,” Brett says. Over time many graduates open their own therapy practices, move into policy and government roles or explore opportunities to teach.
Brett joined Erikson 11 years ago and she says nationally social worker salaries have seen a significant increase. “While it depends on where you work, Master of Social Work graduates can now expect to make between $55,000 to $70,000 annually. Hospitals, schools, and some policy positions tend to pay more, and a great deal depends on where you practice. I am thrilled by these changes. Just over a decade ago, social workers were making just $32,000 a year to start.”

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