Social Work and Perinatal Mental Health

Social work started back in the late 1800s when people began noticing how much poverty and inequality were affecting communities. One important part of that was the Settlement House Movement, where people worked directly in communities to provide support like education, childcare, and basic needs. People like Jane Addams were a big part of starting this kind of work, focusing on helping others and pushing for change on a deeper level. 

Over time, social work became more professional, and that’s where LCSWs come in. Licensed Clinical Social Workers are trained to help people with mental health challenges. They can assess, diagnose, and provide therapy, but they also do more than just that. They look at a person’s whole situation not just what they’re feeling, but what’s going on in their life, their environment, and their relationships.

That’s something that comes from the roots of social work, where the goal has always been to understand and support people in a deeper way, to provide them with valuable resources and help. Looking at the bigger picture and assessing what type of change needs to occur in order for people to be able to access adequate healthcare, shelter, food, education, and childcare as well as many other important needs.

They meet people where they’re at so they can get to where they want to go. 

Today, LCSWs work in all kinds of places like hospitals, schools, and private practices. They help people deal with things like anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. At the same time, they also connect people to resources and support systems.

Those resources and support systems saved my life. 

When I had my son, I was under the care of two wonderful licensed clinical social workers, they provided a safe space for me to share my struggles, my fears, and give a voice to my what I was going through. They advocated for me, gave me the tools to manage my symptoms, and when it all felt like it was too heavy to carry they were there to hold me up. 

For that, I am eternally grateful to not only my therapists but all social workers who walked me through that first year and made sure I made it to the other side. 

I am even more grateful that I know work for an incredible organization that does such amazing work, and to be working side by side with LCSW’s who have dedicated their career to helping moms and birthers like me, have a place to be heard, supported, and seen.