The largest group of mental health professionals in the country are clinical social workers. Clinical social work is a practice specialty of the social work profession.  Its purposes are to:

(1) diagnose and treat bio-psychological disability and impairment, including mental and emotional disorders and developmental disabilities;

(2) achieve optimal prevention of bio-psychosocial dysfunction; and

(3) support and enhance bio-psychosocial strengths and functioning.  

The practice of clinical social work includes interventions such as assessment and diagnosis, crisis intervention, psychosocial and psycho-educational interventions, and brief and long-term psychotherapies. Individuals in this profession hold a graduate (Master’s or Doctoral) degree in social work and have the appropriate clinical experience to become licensed for practice in their state.