Relationship Between
Psychology and Social Work
Samip Kirat
Areas of their relatedness.
• Understanding Behavior
• Therapeutic Interventions
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Counseling
• Research
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Prevention and Education
Aspect Psychology Social Work
Individual mental processes and Holistic approach, including
Focus
behavior social and environmental factors
Clinical psychology addresses Clinical social work involves
Clinical Practice mental health issues through therapeutic interventions with a
therapy focus on social context
Focuses on social and
Emphasizes cognitive and
Counseling and Therapy environmental factors
emotional processes
influencing mental health
Strong emphasis on advocacy
Advocacy is present, but not
Advocacy and Social Justice for social justice and systemic
always central
change
Conducts research on cognitive Research may focus on
Research processes, mental health evaluating interventions, social
disorders, etc. policies, and community needs
Aims for prevention and education
Education and Emphasizes prevention and
while addressing broader social
Prevention education in mental health
issues
Often collaborates in
Collaborates with various
Interdisciplinary interdisciplinary settings,
professionals in healthcare,
Collaboration contributing to comprehensive
education, etc.
solutions
Recognizes individual and group Incorporates individual, family,
Holistic Approach dynamics, but primary focus on community, and societal factors in
individual psychology a holistic approach
Enhance well-being by addressing
Understand and improve individual
Goals social issues, promoting social
mental processes and behavior
justice, and improving systems
Advocacy and Social Advocacy is present but Strong emphasis on advocacy for
Justice not always central social justice and systemic change
Academic paths include
BA/BSc Psyc, MA/MSc Academic paths include Bachelor of
Educational
Background
(clinical, counseling, and Social Work (BSW) and Master of
other branches of Social Work (MSW) degrees
psychology)
• Psychology and social work are related fields that
share some common goals in understanding and
improving human well-being, but they also have
distinct differences in their focus, methods, and
areas of expertise.
Dissimilarities between psychology and social work
Aspect Psychology Social Work
Broader social context,
Focus and Individual behavior, emotions, and
Perspective
systemic issues, social
mental processes
justice
Various specialties (clinical, counseling, Practice areas (clinical,
Scope of Practice
cognitive) school, community)
Methods of Therapeutic interventions, counseling, Counseling, advocacy, case
Intervention psychotherapy management, organizing
Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), Bachelor's (entry-level),
Education
master’s with some specializations MSW for clinical practice
Cont.
Treat mental health issues, Enhance overall well-being,
Goal of Intervention
behavioral disorders address social factors
Various settings (private Hospitals, schools,
Setting of Practice practice, hospitals, community organizations,
academia) agencies
•Have a wonderful day ahead.
