Social worker
Assesses social functioning and supports the person through personal, family and social difficulties, in connection with those around them and their living environment.
What that means
Social work takes the person within their environment: housing, income, employment, family, network, and the services they are entitled to. Assessing social functioning is an activity reserved to members of the OTSTCFQ.
It is often the best-placed profession when the difficulty is not solely internal: a process to navigate, a right to assert, a system to get through.
When to turn to a social worker
- The difficulty affects your life circumstances as much as your inner state.
- You need guidance through the network of services and resources.
- You are looking for support that takes those around you into account.
Frequently asked questions
Can a social worker practise psychotherapy?
Some hold the psychotherapy permit issued by the OPQ. It is not automatic: it is a qualification separate from their profession.
Is it only for crisis situations?
No. Social work support covers one-off steps as much as longer-term follow-up.
Checking that a professional is in good standing
Every professional order keeps a public register of its members: that is where you confirm someone holds the right to practise. On PsyPsy, this check is done upfront — the licence and membership in the order are validated before a professional can contact anyone.
PsyPsy is not an emergency service
PsyPsy connects people; it does not provide care and makes no diagnosis. In an emergency, call 911. To speak with someone now: Info-Social 811, option 2.
Find an available social worker
Submit an anonymous request. Verified professionals with availability will contact you — you then choose freely.
Create my account