The National Institute of Mental Health reports that almost 1 in 5 adults in the United States (U.S.) are living with the challenges of mental illness. This statistic proves that the care and support that mental health professionals, like social workers and psychologists, provide is essential to patients, families, employers, and society.

You can pursue many humanistic professions if you are interested in a rewarding and people-centric career as a mental health professional. For example, social workers and psychologists learn to tune in to a person’s cognitive, social, and emotional behaviors by providing guidance, strategies, and resources to help individuals cope with difficulties.

While these two professions overlap and share similarities, there are some key differences between social work and psychology. Let’s discuss the differences between social work and psychology so that you can decide which career path is right for you.

What is the difference between social worker and psychologist duties?

Social workers and psychologists are both subdisciplines of human services. Human services professions are jobs that exist to improve the lives of disadvantaged members of society by delivering essential social services to school children, marriage and families, or mental health.

However, social workers contribute to this field by providing holistic solutions to their client’s social, behavioral, economic, or health problems. They also dedicate ample time and energy to advocacy by raising awareness and advancing causes on their client’s behalf at the local, state, and national levels.

A social worker’s duties may include the following:

• Assessing clients’ needs, situations, and strengths to determine their goals.
• Helping clients adjust to significant life changes, such as illness, divorce, or losing a loved one.
• Researching, referring, and advocating for community resources on a client-by-client basis.
• Responding to crises such as child abuse.
• Following up with clients to ensure they’re implementing suggested improvements.

On the other hand, psychologists focus on helping their patients address potentially damaging mental health issues. They observe, interpret, and record how people relate to one another to understand and explain complicated thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychologists typically work with clients in a one-on-one capacity.

A psychologist’s duties may include the following:

• Identifying psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnosing disorders.
• Identifying and testing for patterns that can help them better understand and predict behavior.
• Conducting scientific studies of behavior and brain function.
• Discussing treatment plans with clients and other medical professionals.
• Writing articles and research papers to share findings with other mental health professionals.

What is the career outlook for a licensed social worker vs. a psychologist?

Whether you choose a career as a social worker or a psychologist, many positive career prospects await you as long as you have the appropriate education, experience, and training.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of social workers will increase by 13 percent through 2029–more than triple the rate of all occupations nationwide–and general employment of psychologists should grow three percent through 2029.

Furthermore, the BLS reported that in 2021, the median annual salary for psychologists was over $81,000. Meanwhile, social workers earned $50,390 annually. and $47,980 for social workers.

While pursuing a career based solely on your passion for a career in human services is admirable, these facts assure many students that there will be lucrative jobs available to them once they finish school.

Social worker vs. psychologist: How do you become one?

Becoming a social worker vs. a psychologist involves different but equally extensive schooling and experience, with both professions requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.

Becoming a Social Worker

The most common requirement for entry-level social work positions is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). However, most social workers obtain a Master of Social Work (MSW) to become licensed clinical social workers (LCSW).

BSW programs prepare students for direct-service positions, such as case workers or mental health assistants. In contrast, an MSW program prepares students to work in a chosen specialty and requires students to complete a supervised practicum or internship.

After obtaining their MSW and two years of practice, social worker professionals can sit for the LCSW exam. Upon passing the exam, they can provide therapy directly to individuals, couples, and families.

Becoming a Psychologist

While most psychologists’ positions require a doctoral degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Psychology is sufficient for some roles, such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or organizational psychologist. A bachelor’s degree in Psychology can also lay the groundwork for success, preparing candidates for graduate school as well as entry-level psychology careers in:

• Hospitals
• Crisis centers
• Schools
• The criminal justice system
• Youth services
• HR departments
• Government agencies

Bachelor’s degree holders may go onto pursue their master’s in Psychology or master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Or, they may pursue a specialized field like Education or Criminal Justice after graduation.

To become a fully certified psychologist in most clinical and research positions, however, candidates are required to complete a doctoral degree such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), or Doctor of Education (EdD). In addition, these postgraduate degrees often include internships where students gain paid practical work experience.

Upon completion of the degree, candidates must also take and pass the Professional Practice in Psychology examination and complete the required work experience necessary to obtain state licensure.

Which career path is right for you?

There are some differences between a career as a social worker vs. a career as a psychologist. However, both jobs are passionate about listening, understanding, and helping people make positive and long-lasting differences.

Thus, no matter if you choose a degree in psychology or social work, you will use your advanced knowledge and skills to provide individuals with the strategies and resources they need for self-improvement.

Cultivating a career in social work or psychology requires dedication and a well-rounded education. Learn more about our undergraduate and graduate psychology and human services programs at the University of Bridgeport today. We are here to get you through college and into a great career!