March is Social Work Month and is an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of individuals who follow the ethics and principals of this profession. 
Social work as a profession started in the late 19th century with the goal of ensuring that those who were vulnerable were provided access to necessary resources, that the civil rights of all individuals were protected, that individuals were free from abuse and neglect, and that those with mental health issues were afforded humane treatment.
Social workers are often trained as generalists, meaning that they have knowledge in many different areas including how to access resources, assessment and diagnosis of mental health issues including addiction, therapeutic interventions, advocacy efforts, end of life care, and providing safe discharge planning in a hospital or extended care facility. Individuals trained in the social work profession are required to follow the Social Worker Code of Ethics which includes the importance of meeting individuals where they are, providing non-judgmental approaches, and supporting individuals in developing self-efficacy to name a few. 
Depending on the setting, social workers have a variety of ways they can offer support. In the hospital, they can assist with developing a plan to ensure that an individual can safely return home, can access follow-up care that is necessary for long term health, identify gaps and barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and can make referrals to other services to address needs.
In an outpatient therapy practice, they can complete assessments, diagnose mental health/addiction issues, develop a person-centered plan of care, conduct therapy sessions to support individuals seeking treatment, identify gaps in care and make referrals for other services. At the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center, our social workers meet with each individual seeking services, conduct an assessment, determine what services are most appropriate, and develop a comprehensive person-centered plan of care.
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Additionally, social workers facilitate group sessions, provide one-to-one therapy services, and offer support groups to individuals who have loved ones with substance use disorder. They meet the individuals where they are in their readiness to change and collaborate with them to develop a plan that increases their skills, knowledge, hope and self-efficacy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction issues, there is help available. Social workers can have a great impact on mental wellness. Mental wellness includes how a person is coping with their daily experiences, what coping skills they utilize, how a person practices self-care, and how an individual perceives the world around them.
In this world of uncertainty, it can be very frightening and stressful. As a society we have experienced sweeping changes in the past few years that have changed daily routines, increased isolation, and likely will impact generations to come. To heal, adjust or thrive, it is important for everyone to attend not only to their physical needs, but also their emotional needs.
It is important to know no one is alone, there is support, and there are places where others can help and provide mutual support. Find the helpers, they are in local medical clinics, support groups, churches, community organizations, mental health providers and neighborhoods. You are not alone.
Jennifer VanSkyock, LCSW, LCAC, LISW-S is the program manager at IU Health Jay Outpatient Behavioral Health and the IU Health Ball Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center. Learn more at https://iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/behavioral-health.

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