The Difference between a Registered Social Worker and a Psychologist

Lately, I have had numerous clients who, after a successful session, ask ‘so what’s the difference between a social worker and a psychologist?’.  A valid and fair question, as in most cases a registered social worker isn’t always advertised as a profession that pertains to supporting anxiety and mental health issues as a psychologist is known for.  Most people feel social workers ‘take children away from their parents’, which is untrue. Registered Social Workers focus on tools to support one’s mental health and well being, and empower people to improve their own lives. 

The profession of social work originally started off as a movement to help with poverty and inequality. But in time, the profession become a regulated health profession, working with individuals, families and communities to help guide one’s well-being and acknowledging the challenging aspects of their own life such as anxiety, depression, life transition and loss. This can be done through advocacy work, taking part in social justice, human rights, and/or ensuring an individual has accessibility and social services. Clinical social workers went further to recognize the value of storytelling, vulnerability and emotional and mental support.  Through the dynamic values social work holds, it is a profession that believes that people are resourceful, resilient and can have a positive well-being.

My career as a registered social work has been rich and ever growing due to the ability to work with individuals, families and communities in various settings. Examples are early intervention with children diagnosed with autism, Alberta Health Care and even overseas work that pertained to working with people and addictions.  This has allowed me to have a better understanding of what humans need to survive in their present day and navigate their way to live a fuller life with a more positive way of living.

Social workers tap into resources that are available to our clients in order to help cope through conflicts and challenges that come during day-to-day routine.  For example, if you have financial concerns, we would look into the resources that would help alleviate some of this burden like applying for a financial program or arranging an appointment with a debt counsellor.

The other aspect of being a social worker is to also listen to stories, tales and narratives that have a beginning and end, lessons and learning, causes that impact reaction and response to the situation that is being explained. This of course naturally happens when we are trying to figure out what resources will be helpful in order to advocate for the person. Similar to psychologists, as a clinical social worker, I also provide empathetic and active listening and problem solving from a strength based perspective to help and promote creative thinking, build new perspectives and release the feelings/emotions that create fear and barriers for change and growth.

Another question that tends to come up before setting a session is the topic of insurance.  Is social work and therapy covered by insurance? Usually mental health therapy with social workers is covered. However, each employer chooses the packages they provide for their employers, therefore the suggestion is to always check with your HR office to ensure registered social workers are covered for counselling sessions and how much, as each therapist sets their fees at different costs. 

So going back the question: what the difference between a social worker and psychologist is, I hope it helps to know that both professions have the same focus and the same goal when it comes to supporting people who are looking for guidance from a mental health perspective. At the end of the day, it’s really your call to see who is best suited for you and how they can support and guide you in your challenges. The best way to know this is to either visit their website and see if what you read about them and their services resonate, or book a free consult and discuss your goals and see if there is a fit.

— Written by Aman Dhaliwal, Registered Social Worker & Owner, BA, MSW, RSW.

Breathe Counselling is a south Edmonton-based mental health clinic in Alberta, designed to listen, help, and coach those needing counselling and therapy. We specialize in couple’s counselling, anxiety & depression, work stress management, men’s therapy and cultural therapy for first generation Canadians. Counselling services are available through in-person, virtual or phone call sessions by visiting breathcounselling.ca.