About social workers
Social workers support people and families in difficult situations: access to social and health resources, dependency, family conflicts, addictions or social exclusion. They coordinate with public services and other professionals.
Getting mental health care in Argentina
Law 26.657 (2010, regulated by Decree 603/2013) protects the rights of people with mental health problems and provides for care by interdisciplinary teams including psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers.
What does a social worker do?
A social worker supports individuals, families and communities facing social, economic or relational difficulties. Day to day they assess needs, inform people about their rights and available resources, help with applications, coordinate with health, education, housing and legal services, and accompany people through crises. Some offer counselling or family intervention, especially in mental health, child protection, ageing and disability settings.
What happens in the first session
The first interview usually covers your current situation, family and support network, housing, income, health and what kind of help you need. The social worker will explain what they can and cannot do, and which services might be involved. Bring identification, relevant reports and documents, and ask about next steps, confidentiality and how to contact them.