Can Social Workers Provide Therapy?
Published September 26th, 2024
3.5 min read
Social workers are trained to provide psychotherapy.
Written by Simon Spichak
When people think of mental health practitioners, they imagine psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists. However, in Canada, social workers also receive training to provide therapy. That also means that if your insurance covers traditional therapists, it likely covers social workers.
Social workers are therapists
Like other mental health practitioners, social workers undergo several years of education and practical training.
Social work education consists of theoretical courses and practical training at the undergraduate or graduate level. Social workers have a four-year bachelor’s degree. Some will undertake two more years of training to receive a Master’s of social work (MSW).
During their training, social workers learn about the social determinants of health and various therapy techniques like CBT, DBT, and ERP. Once they start practicing, social workers can treat various mental health conditions but are not able to diagnose patients or prescribe medication.
Social workers versus psychotherapists
Like social workers, psychotherapists receive specialized education and training to provide therapy to patients. Psychotherapists cannot make a diagnosis or prescribe medications. Psychotherapists may charge around the same as social workers.
Social workers versus psychologists
Psychologists undergo more academic training than social workers. They are also trained to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. Typically, psychologists charge more than social workers for a therapy session.
Social workers versus psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in mental health care. They undergo more years of training than social workers and are able to diagnose and prescribe medications for mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists are covered by provincial health plans, so a visit is free. However, there are long waitlists around the country to get an appointment.
Finding a registered social worker
Social workers advertise their services across websites and online databases like Psychology Today and the Affordable Therapy Network. You can check to see if a social worker is officially registered and legally able to practice through directories maintained by the college of social workers in your province or territory:
Do I need a referral?
You don’t need a referral from a doctor to book an appointment with a social worker. However, some insurance plans might ask for a doctor referral to cover the cost of your sessions.
How much do social workers charge per session?
In Canada, social workers charge around $150 per therapy session, though some practitioners can charge as much as $300.
Does insurance cover social workers?
Most insurance plans for mental health services provide coverage for therapy with registered social workers. Most plans will cover social workers who have a bachelor’s degree (RSW) and those with a Master’s degree (MSW), while some only cover MSWs.
How Resolvve can help
Resolvve’s social workers have experience working with ADHD, OCD, as well as other mental health conditions. We provide therapy to university and high school students as well.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can book a free consultation.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes; it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional, please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
