Behavioral Health
What Is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health is a comprehensive, holistic approach to wellness and well-being. It includes health, mental health, substance misuse, trauma, and other factors that affect quality of life. Behavioral health also recognizes the connections among cognitive, emotional, and physical health. These connections are influenced by stress and relationships.
Social workers often support behavioral health through therapy and counseling. They help individuals strengthen well-being and navigate life's challenges. Their work promotes healing, resilience, and improved quality of life.
Careers in Behavioral Health Social Work
Behavioral health is a fulfilling career for those committed to strengthening mental health and well-being. It is especially meaningful for people addressing substance misuse, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Social workers build trusting relationships and support individuals throughout their healing journeys. They facilitate positive change during life's most challenging experiences.
Social workers play a vital role in expanding access to behavioral health care across all age groups. They serve everyone from very young children to nicely aged adults. Social workers who provide behavioral health care are often called therapists or counselors. Their work strengthens individuals, families, and communities.
Behavioral Health Practice Settings
Behavioral health social workers practice in many professional settings. Common practice arenas include counseling agencies, community centers, schools, private practice, healthcare, law enforcement, and victim advocacy. Their broad, holistic skill set applies across every social work practice arena. This versatility allows them to meet diverse community needs.The Path to Becoming an LCSW
Licensure is essential with most behavioral health practitioners ultimately seeking to be an LCSW – licensed clinical social worker. An LCSW is an advanced license that indicates a high level of preparation for creating supportive change. IU’s pass rates for the advanced licensure exam lead the state of Indiana and are well above the national average.
Behavioral and mental health awareness is growing with a strong job outlook for this meaningful social work practice area. To prepare for this
- SWK 618 Social Policy and Services (MHA) (3 cr.)
- SWK 683 Community-Based Practice in Mental Health and Addiction (3 cr.)
- SWK 685 Mental Health and Addictions Practice: Individuals and Families (3 cr.)
- SWK 686 Social Work Practice: Addictions (3 cr.)
- Required 3 credit hours from a social work elective (courses available)