Social Work and Mental Health: Understanding the Need

Mental health professionals will be absolutely instrumental in helping people face their challenges and in implementing change in a way that addresses mental health issues on a larger scale.

The Mental Health Practice in Social Work emphasis at Southern prepares graduates to provide support for these challenges through a Christian lens, bringing God’s teachings of compassion and understanding to the role. In this program, you’ll learn both theoretical knowledge and practical application of mental health social work and psychopharmacology.

Building a Career as a Mental Health Social Worker

Where do you see yourself working—private practice or a nonprofit?

What type of clients do you want to support—individuals, couples, small groups, or community organizations?

How do you want to apply the skills you’ll learn in Southern’s program?

Whichever career path you choose, you’ll be able to apply the same basic social work and mental health skills and practices, which include:

• Understanding clients’ needs based on their circumstances and unique history
• Helping clients address situations such as illness, trauma, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety
• Providing clients with strategies for coping with these challenges
• Tracking clients’ progress over time
• Helping clients strive for health and happiness

Graduates of Southern’s Master of Social Work program who selected an emphasis in Mental Health Practice in Social Work are thriving in a wide range of settings, including private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, community health organizations, primary care facilities, and rehabilitation treatment centers.

The salary ranges will vary depending on your job placement and level of experience, but here are the averages for mental health social workers:

The salary ranges will vary depending on your job placement, location, and level of experience, but the national average for mental health social workers is $62,400.

After earning your MSW degree at Southern, you’ll need to obtain licensure in your state in order to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state; read more about requirements here.

The Mental Health Practice in Social Work Emphasis: Courses and Curriculum

Courses and Curriculum

The courses that you’ll get to take with this emphasis are organized into three sections: core classes, advanced classes, and the classes specific to the Mental Health Practice in Social Work emphasis.

Core Courses

Advanced Courses

Emphasis Courses

Meet the Faculty

Our team of social work professionals and educators will inspire you, challenge you, and fuel your passion for serving others. While earning your degree, you’ll be empowered by our faculty of experienced, compassionate social workers who are committed to helping you achieve your career goals and become the best social worker you can be.

Admissions

Through the admissions process, you must complete the following steps:

• Graduate Application
• Transcripts
• Recommendations
• Personal Statement
• Resumé

See the full description of the application process.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, with coursework indicating a strong liberal arts background. (Advanced placement requires a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.)
• GPA requirement: Possess a preferred GPA of at least 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) for the last 60 college credits earned at the baccalaureate level for Foundation standing. For Advanced standing, applicants must possess a preferred GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in social work courses. Applicants may have no more than one grade of C in a core social work course.

Application Deadlines

Do you have questions about the program and how it can help you reach your goals? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to get them answered!

Ready to get started? You can start your application right here.