Find MSW programs that teach psychiatric social work
Psychiatric social work offers high-growth jobs in healthcare and social services. Find the top online MSWs for psychiatric social work specializations.
See all MSW programsWhy earn an MSW with courses in psychiatric social work?
Flexible degree options
Earn your online MSW at your own pace and complete internships or clinical fieldwork requirements locally.
Qualify for licensure
Graduate prepared to sit for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national licensing exam.
Make a difference
Train for a meaningful and impactful career as a licensed social worker in the mental health field.
Are you looking for a meaningful, high-growth career with a lasting impact? Learn how to become a psychiatric social worker to help improve mental health through public programs nationwide.
Browse MSW programs that teach about psychiatric social work topics
What is psychiatric social work?
Psychiatric social work is a specialized type of social work focused on providing mental health support. Psychiatric social workers help clients manage mental health conditions through counseling, education, and coordinated care, often with clinical psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals.
They can help clients better understand pharmaceutical treatment options and connect them to critical mental health social services, including inpatient, aftercare, and family counseling programs.
What to expect from an online MSW that teaches psychiatric social work
Most master's in social work programs (MSWs) require students to complete foundational courses in social justice, human behavior and the social environment, and social welfare policy and services.
An online MSW in psychiatric social work may also include specialized coursework in subjects like assessing mental conditions, mental health policy and services, and social work practice in health settings.
Online MSWs in psychiatric social work also include a field practicum, as required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which accredits all advanced social work degrees leading to licensure. Some MSWs may split the fieldwork into generalist and specialized training instead of requiring a field placement specific to psychiatric social work.
Once you complete your CSWE-accredited MSW, you can sit for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam and meet the additional licensure requirements in your state.
What jobs can you get with an MSW that teaches psychiatric social work?
Earning your MSW in psychiatric social work can lead to careers at the intersection of social work, counseling, healthcare, and public service.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% employment growth for social workers from 2023–33, with even higher growth projected for mental health social workers (12%) and healthcare social workers (10%) across the decade.
Psychiatric social workers can also pursue roles as mental health, substance use, and behavioral counselors, with projected growth rates of 19% from 2023-33, per BLS data.