Clinical Social Worker and Marriage Counselor

A clinical social worker and marriage counselor works with couples, individuals and families to help them understand the underlying issues for relationship problems. The marriage counselor usually works with the couple together but may also have individual sessions to help one party clarify issues or enter into a decision making process. When working with families the counselor may break the group up into working with the children, then the parents, or may choose to work only with the group or only in individual sessions at least initially.

Clinical social workers and marriage counselors do not tell clients how to solve problems, rather they guide the clients to find and determine their own "right answer". The counselor must be very careful to not impose their beliefs or values onto the couple or family that has come for assistance. Counselors use various counseling tools and techniques to help the family or couple find the answers they require. Some counselors may work with families for many months whereas other families or couples may only require a few sessions.

A substantial amount of a counselor or social workers time is spent completing case notes, entering data and completing billing and information forms. There are strict federal and state as well as professional requirements as to documentation and retention of case notes and records that social workers and counselors must be aware of. In addition licensed counselors and social workers must complete a set number of professional development training hours per year to ensure their license is renewed.

Common work activities include:

• Hiring secretaries, receptionists and billing managers.
• Scheduling appointments with clients, meeting with clients, and working with clients to resolve issues and problems within relationships.
• Keeping case notes, records and billing date up to date and accurate.
• Making referrals to other mental health or other professionals in the community if required.
• Attending professional development training as required for licensing.
• Participating in various community programs, school programs or services for special groups within the community.
• Reporting any disclosures of abuse to the proper authorities as required by law.

Programs related to Clinical Social Worker and Marriage Counselor careers

Top Online College Degree Programs

	University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. University of Phoenix is an outstanding university with programs offered both online and on campus. Phoenix is committed to helping students develop intellectually and personally in order to reach their career goals.
	Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University has a wide range of programs available for individuals who want to make a career change or improve their job prospects. As a leader in online education, Kaplan delivers innovative, relevant, and convenient education.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. AIU is a career-oriented education that prepares students to take on today's fastest-growing jobs. With students all over the world, AIU is able to cater to the individual needs and career goals of every type of student.
	Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University aims to make education accessible and affordable for every kind of student. Students can enhance their career opportunities without sacrificing commitments to work, family, or the military.
	Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. As a well-known online university, Grand Canyon University stands by its respectable reputation as one of the best colleges to attend online. They offer numerous programs with flexible courses in order to allow students to obtain an advanced degree without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
	Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Liberty University is an evangelical school that offers programs online and on campus. Individuals who want to change career fields or advance in their current field will be able to obtain their degree in a flexible and affordable manner at Liberty.
	DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. DeVry University provides students with a practical, hands-on education from instructors who are accomplished in their respective field. DeVry has programs for students on campus and online so students can get their degree in an affordable, flexible way.
	Colorado Technical University - Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Colorado Technical University offers a wide variety of high quality programs that will prepare students for the competitive job market. Their affordable prices allow students with a budget to advance in their career.
	Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University designs degree programs for today's fastest-growing job markets. For this reason, Everest graduates are well-trained and well-prepared to succeed in their respective fields.
	Strayer University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Strayer University has been successful in placing students in fast-growing industries using their dynamic curriculum. An accredited university, Strayer University offers affordable programs that allow almost everyone to be able to attend.