The United States commemorates March as Social Work Month every year. It gives social workers the rarely used turn to toot our own horns. Social workers create meaningful positive social change, and improve the lives of individuals, families and communities. This year’s theme is “Social Work Paves the Way for Change.”

Although my private practice is almost entirely made up of psychotherapy and counseling clients (and supervision of newer therapists), I sometimes mentor people considering going into social work or other mental health professions. I thought I would provide some of the most frequently asked questions about social work here, in honor of social work month.

Q. “What is the difference between a social worker, a therapist, and a psychiatrist?”

A. A social worker is a type […]