Social workers in community mental health agencies provide services to children and families. The services available will vary from one agency to another, but common services are psychosocial groups, respite care, counseling/therapy, and case management.
Social workers may lead psychosocial groups for children and youth. A Psychosocial Group is a group made up of children or adolescents along with mental health staff. The staff members guide activities to work on social skills, teach problem-solving skills, and identify personal strengths, interests, and abilities. These groups are often available at Community Mental Health Centers.
Social workers may help families get respite care. Respite care is a service that gives parents or other caregivers a break from taking care of a child with a disability.
Social workers provide counseling/therapy at mental health centers. There are several kinds of therapy including individual therapy, family therapy, home based family therapy, behavior therapy, or group therapy.