Therapy (and Social Work) is Political!
When I chose to begin my clinical career, I knew I was interested in joining a profession that would align with my personal and political values; this led me directly to social work. Advocacy is a critical component of the social work profession, woven into the fabric of its ethical code and professional identity. Social workers are uniquely positioned to influence change at both micro and macro levels, making a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals and communities. Our Code of Ethics emphasizes the obligation of social workers to engage in social and political action, advocating for equitable policies and social justice. Given the complex and often inequitable systems in which social workers operate, embracing advocacy as a core practice is essential—particularly during election seasons when policy decisions that shape society and impact the people we serve are at stake. This call to action also aligns with a broader truth that often goes unspoken: therapy is political. The policies that govern healthcare, social services, and civil rights directly impact the mental health and well-being of individuals. As therapists, social workers have a responsibility to not only provide support in the clinical space but to act as agents of change in the larger social environment. The upcoming election presents an important opportunity for social workers and other therapists to engage in advocacy that upholds their professional and ethical commitments.
Why Advocacy Matters in Social Work
Social work is not limited to providing therapy or direct services; it is about addressing the root causes of social problems and advocating for systemic change. Issues such as poverty, discrimination, inadequate access to healthcare, and systemic inequities cannot be effectively tackled without a broader policy lens. Advocacy allows social workers to promote the values of social justice and human rights, which are central to the profession. By engaging in advocacy, social workers can influence policy decisions that shape the social and economic environment in which their clients live.
Moreover, the impact of social and political decisions often creates barriers that directly affect the individuals social workers serve. For instance, restrictive immigration policies, inadequate mental health funding, legislation targeted at LGBTQ+ Americans, or discriminatory practices in employment can exacerbate the difficulties faced by vulnerable populations. Social workers, as front-line practitioners, witness firsthand the consequences of policy decisions and are in a unique position to advocate for change.
Social Workers as Ethical Advocates
The NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Code of Ethics outlines a clear directive for social workers to engage in social and political action. This ethical obligation extends beyond individual client advocacy to encompass broader efforts aimed at systemic change. Section 6.04(a) specifies that social workers must advocate for changes in policy and legislation to ensure all individuals have equal access to resources, services, and opportunities. This directive not only encourages social workers to engage in policy advocacy but also to remain aware of how political factors influence their practice and the lives of their clients. The principle of “therapy is political” becomes evident when considering how issues such as access to healthcare, economic inequality, and housing insecurity directly impact mental health. Social workers must act to ensure that policies reflect the holistic needs of their clients, advocating for mental health parity, affordable housing, and inclusive healthcare. Without these fundamental supports, the therapeutic work done with clients risks being undermined by external systemic barriers.
Concrete Advocacy Actions for Social Workers During the Upcoming Election
The upcoming election is an opportune time for social workers and other clinical helping professions to engage in meaningful advocacy that can influence policy changes on a broader scale. Here are specific actions social workers and other therapists can take:
Educate and Mobilize Voters: Social workers can help educate their communities and clients about the social and political issues at stake in the election. Hosting voter registration drives, providing information on candidates’ platforms, and discussing how specific policies might impact vulnerable populations are ways to empower informed voting.
Advocate for Mental Health and Social Justice Policies: Identify key issues related to mental health access, social services, and civil rights in your area. Use your professional networks to support candidates and legislation that align with these priorities. Write op-eds, contribute to social media campaigns, and participate in public forums to raise awareness.
Use Your Platform: Whether in the classroom, a clinical setting, or community organizations, social workers can use their voice to emphasize the connection between mental health and social justice. Sharing educational materials, organizing town halls, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities are ways to integrate advocacy into daily practice.
Vote and Encourage Others to Vote: While it may seem simple, voting is one of the most powerful ways to engage in advocacy. Encourage colleagues, clients (when appropriate), and communities to vote in favor of policies that promote social equity and well-being. Ensure that people have access to voting resources, including registration information, absentee ballots, and transportation options.
Engage in Political Campaigns: Social workers can volunteer for political campaigns that support values of social justice and equality. This can involve canvassing, phone banking, or even advising on policies related to mental health and social services.
Conclusion
For social workers, advocacy is not an optional activity—it is a professional and ethical responsibility. By engaging in social and political action, especially during election seasons, social workers contribute to creating a more just and equitable society. Advocacy allows social workers to fulfill their mission of promoting human rights and social justice while also improving the social conditions that impact the clients and communities they serve. Social workers are called to be agents of change, standing up against oppression and working tirelessly to ensure the dignity and worth of every individual. The principle that therapy is political underscores the reality that the social environment impacts mental health outcomes. When social workers advocate for equitable policies, they are not only supporting the well-being of their clients—they are also upholding the values of the profession and fulfilling their ethical mandate to promote social justice.
M. Joyce-Anderson (they/them) is a queer and trans clinical social worker and a passionate advocate for trans and gender diverse individuals. Outside of their therapy practice and advocacy work, M is an adjunct professor at Springfield College and teaches Policy for social work graduate students.
