Social Workers Promote Health - Both Physical Health and Mental Health

Social workers know that mental health is fundamental to physical health, just as physical health affects mental health. Social workers advocate quality healthcare and mental health parity for everyone.

(PRWEB) March 2, 2002 - Social workers know that mental health is fundamental to physical health, just as physical health affects mental health. Social workers advocate quality healthcare and mental health parity for everyone. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is at the forefront of this battle.

Social workers are the nations leading providers of mental health and therapy services. They also provide direct healthcare services to patients and their families. They are a key part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team providing for follow-up services, such as discharge planning and evaluation, as well as administration and research.

In the unprecedented report on mental health, Dr. David Satcher, Surgeon General of the Unites States, says that nearly one in five Americans are affected by mental illness in any given year. Social workers are among many who support mental health parity.

Social workers everywhere advocate for change. People need to have access to healthcare and mental health services on an equal basis. There are some 44 million Americans without health insurance - in a country of such wealth, that is unacceptable. Social workers guide those in need through the system to help them get the care they need," says Dr. Elizabeth J. Clark, Executive Director of NASW.

Northwestern Institute of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, provides inpatient psychiatric services for patients of all ages. We salute the fine work of the nations social workers.

Northwestern Institute offers a toll-free 24 Hour HOTLINE to help those in mental health crisis. Call 800-256-5300.