psychiatric social work

Social work in a mental health setting. The psychiatric social worker provides psychosocial therapy and other social services for those with mental disorders and, in collaboration with the psychiatrist and other members of the mental health team, works with the patient's family members. The worker usually has an MSW or higher degree and additional experience in working with psychiatric problems. The "psychiatric social work" designation is largely been replaced by the term "clinical social work." See also American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers (AAPSW).