• Who are social workers and what do they do?
  
• When would I want to see a social worker?
  
• Why choose a social worker?
  
• Who does the social worker collaborate with?
  
• Are social work services confidential?
  
• How much do MGH social work services cost?
  
• How do I reach an MGH social worker?
  
• When are social workers available?
  
• What if I have questions about my discharge plan?

Who are social workers and what do they do?

Clinical Social Workers are licensed mental health professionals trained to help people find solutions to many emotional problems from daily crises to life’s most difficult situations. We accomplish this through a unique combination of psychotherapy, active problem solving and direct connection with the network of community resources.

When would I want to see a social worker?

You may want to speak with a social worker when you or your family are dealing with an illness and having difficulty coping. Talking with a social worker can offer an objective perspective. Social workers share knowledge gained by helping other patients and families in similar situations. MGH social workers are accessible to you on all of the patient care floors of the hospital, in the emergency department, transplant, dialysis,oncology, inpatient psychiatry, outpatient psychiatry, substance abuse, pediatrics, obstetrics, infertility, in some outpatient medical practices, and the employee assistance program. Social work services are available to you and your family throughout your care at MGH.

Clinical social workers are trained in individual, couple, family, and group counseling. Our training is unique in that it focuses on the environment as well as the individual. Social workers are skilled in mobilizing family, friends and community resources to help solve problems.

We work with you and your family to help address your concerns. Clinical social workers also collaborate with your physicians, members of your health care team, and community care providers to address the psychosocial problems which can affect your health and well-being.

As professionals we respect patient confidentiality and adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Social work services are confidential, with some very limited exceptions your social worker will discuss with you. Social workers at MGH work as part of the medical care team. After discussion with you, we will share with the team only the information that is relevant to your medical care.

It depends on the situation. Inpatient social work services are included in your hospital charges at no cost to you. Many outpatient social work fees are covered by health insurance. The amount of coverage varies according to the policy. Please speak with your physician to determine how to clarify your coverage.

If you or your family would like to see a social worker, please speak with your physician or nurse. You can also call the MGH Department of Social Work at (617) 726-2640.

Social workers are available during business hours 8:30am to 5pm, seven days a week, including holidays. There is also a social worker available after hours for hospital emergencies.

At MGH, nurse case managers are primarily responsible for setting up your discharge plan from the hospital. In certain situations both the case manager and social worker collaborate to assist you and your family.