Clinical Counsellors and Registered Social Workers - Can Social Workers Provide Therapy?

The short answer is, Yes!

There are many people who may believe a Registered Social Worker may not be able to provide therapy. I would like to help explain how a Registered Social Worker can provide therapy and share some of my experience with the hope that I can help support you, and others to understand the differences and similarities!

How can a Registered Social Worker provide therapy?

Good question! How about I start off with sharing a little about myself as I am someone who provides therapy. My name is Zafreen and I am a Registered Social Worker, also known as a RSW. With Panorama, my role is a therapist and I provide counselling and therapy for individuals, couples, and families in a private setting.

There are specific requirements needed to be registered as a Social Worker or a Clinical Counsellor and having different types of therapeutic approaches along with knowledge, skills, and experience. As I have achieved a master’s in social work (also known as MSW), this allows me to have the skills needed in a clinical setting and at an advanced level, to ensure I can support you and others with specific challenges or therapy and meet the requirements to be a Registered Social Worker. Similarly as to how it may be for a Clinical Counsellor to complete specific requirements to meet the registration of their registration body.

It may sound unfamiliar hearing there is a RSW working as a therapist, however there are many RSW who practice as therapists/counsellors and offer therapy! Typically, Social Workers can be associated with working with families and children in a public setting; however, some Social Workers, like me, enjoy working in therapy and offering services on a more personal level.

Should I choose to have therapy by a Clinical Counsellor or a Registered Social Worker?

 Similarly, to a Clinical Counsellor, a Social Worker would support and offer a safe place to connect and allow you to explore yourself and your life. As every Clinical Counsellor out there, there are no two Clinical Counsellors who are the same. Just as this, there are no two Clinical Counsellor and Social Workers who are the same!

We all have different specialties and approaches and work with a niche that we believe we can best support, given our strengths, training and experience! It would be ideal to read what each therapist (Clinical Counsellor or Social Worker) may specialize in and if you believe they may be a good fit for you! If you see a RSW with a therapist’s title, then this means they offer therapy and counselling. Should you still struggle to find a match or a therapist who you believe may be a good fit after reading information about the therapists on the website, I would encourage you to connect with our lovely admin and to share a brief overview of what is bringing you to seek therapy, so they can help assist match you with a therapist.

Would I get reimbursed by my insurance provider if I seek therapy from a RSW and not a RCC?

 You should check if your insurance provider offers a budget for counselling or social work, however we always encourage you to connect with your insurance provider. If you are seeking counselling and would like to be reimbursed by your insurance provider, you would pay for the session and gain a receipt from Panorama, which is then submitted by you to your insurance provider. Depending on your insurance provider, a RSW may also come under a different category, as well as counselling! This means if you do not have coverage under the counselling category you could explore if you have coverage under a Social Workers category. Additionally, as anyone with insurance coverage may have a limited budget, it may be beneficial to explore your categories as it could also mean that you may possibly be eligible for more sessions, if your insurance provider allows you to combine the two categories, (counselling and social work). It is strongly encouraged that you seek guidance by connecting with your insurance provider and ask any relevant questions that you may have!

What else can a Social Worker help me with?

 In addition to therapy, Social Workers can support you with resources or connections in the community, if we are aware or have access to the information. For example, if there are challenges that you are facing and require another service provider that specializes in that area (housing, children’s support etc), we may have resources or know of some possible services that could meet your needs.

What can you support me with as a RSW working as a therapist?

 Well, I have various experience and knowledge. I enjoy working with clients who may have anxiety, trauma, or challenges with self-esteem. In addition to this I work with women and couples for many other challenges. You can read more about the other aspects of work by clicking on this link https://panoramawellness.ca/zafreen-idoo