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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Medium37.73%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$37,150
Median$55,960
High (90th %)$100,090

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Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

The occupation "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers" has an automation risk of 37.7%, which is very close to its base risk of 38.5%. This moderate risk level suggests that while some aspects of the job are susceptible to automation, a significant portion of the work relies on human-centric skills that are difficult for machines to replicate. The tasks most vulnerable to automation tend to involve structured or repetitive elements, such as counseling clients individually or in groups, collaborating with other professionals for treatment planning, and monitoring, evaluating, and recording client progress. Advances in artificial intelligence and data management tools make these activities increasingly automatable, as digital systems can standardize data collection, maintain records with high accuracy, and even support remote counseling through chatbots or guided modules. However, there are core responsibilities within this occupation that remain highly resistant to automation due to their complexity and human-centered nature. Tasks such as developing or advising on social policy, planning or conducting preventative and community programs, and connecting clients with tailored community resources rely heavily on nuanced judgment, empathy, and adaptability. These tasks require a deep understanding of societal dynamics and the unique needs of individuals and communities, which are traits not easily replicated by algorithms or automated systems. Following up to ensure service efficacy also demands a level of care and personalized attention that current AI cannot match, maintaining the value of human social workers in these areas. Bottleneck skills further highlight the barriers to automation in this field. The importance of originality is particularly significant, as it has low automatable levels (3.8% and 3.9%), indicating that the creative and adaptive problem-solving required by these social workers is not easily captured by automated tools. Originality underpins tasks such as policy development, program planning, and individualized case management, all of which call for creative thinking and the ability to respond to complex, unpredictable human situations. As a result, while some routine administrative or record-keeping aspects may become automated, the heart of the profession—supporting clients through meaningful, innovative, and community-oriented interventions—remains firmly human-driven.

Filter by Automatable Status
Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.
Partially Automatable
Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.
Partially Automatable
Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.
Partially Automatable
Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.
Non-Automatable
Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.
Partially Automatable
Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.
Partially Automatable
Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.
Partially Automatable
Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.
Non-Automatable
Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.
Partially Automatable
Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse, combat social problems, or improve health or counseling services in community.
Partially Automatable
Develop or advise on social policy or assist in community development.
Partially Automatable
Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.
Non-Automatable
Refer patient, client, or family to community resources for housing or treatment to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness, following through to ensure service efficacy.
Partially Automatable

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Medium40.09%
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Low32.77%
Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Medium37.45%
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Medium41.45%
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Marriage and Family Therapists
Medium42.56%
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Mental Health Counselors
Medium33.62%
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Rehabilitation Counselors
Medium39.06%
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Low32.79%
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Healthcare Social Workers
Medium36.16%
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
Social and Human Service Assistants
Medium50.51%
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Community Health Workers
Medium39.58%
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Occupational Therapists
Medium41.83%
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
Recreational Therapists
Low31.26%
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Medium38.93%
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
Medium39.71%
Make immediate medical decisions and act to prevent death or further disability. Provide immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of patients. May direct emergency medical staff in an emergency department.
Psychiatrists
Medium38.90%
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.
Psychiatric Technicians
Low21.57%
Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
Psychiatric Aides
Low20.31%
Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Low32.46%
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Occupational Therapy Aides
Low32.90%
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
Social and Community Service Managers
Medium36.80%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
School Psychologists
Medium38.83%
Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.
Health Education Specialists
Medium44.56%
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Medium37.54%
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
Clergy
Low32.69%
Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Medium37.53%
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Medium39.81%
Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.
Art Therapists
Medium42.23%
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Music Therapists
Medium36.80%
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
Patient Representatives
Medium47.37%
Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.
Personal Care Aides
Medium35.97%
Provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities or illness who require help with personal care and activities of daily living support (e.g., feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation). May also provide help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry. Work is performed in various settings depending on the needs of the care recipient and may include locations such as their home, place of work, out in the community, or at a daytime nonresidential facility.
Residential Advisors
Medium41.88%
Coordinate activities in resident facilities in secondary school and college dormitories, group homes, or similar establishments. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings. May maintain household records and assign rooms. May assist residents with problem solving or refer them to counseling resources.

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