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 Canada
Public health system · Provincial and territorial public health insurance (Medicare)
Each province and territory runs its own public health insurance plan. Care by psychiatrists, usually after a family doctor referral, and hospital or community mental health services are covered; sessions with psychologists in private practice are generally not covered and are paid privately or through workplace insurance.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Provincial and territorial social work regulators. Social work is regulated in each province and territory; check the regulator's register.
Online therapy in Canada
Professionals are licensed by province or territory, so check that a therapist is licensed where you live before starting online sessions.
Urgent help in Canada
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency / Urgence (911)
- 988 · 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline / Ligne d'aide en cas de crise de suicide
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: cpa.ca
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.
When to see a social worker
A social worker can help when practical problems add to emotional strain: caring for a dependent relative, financial or housing difficulties, isolation, a separation affecting children, a disability, or navigating services after a diagnosis. They are also key when there is risk of abuse or neglect. For psychological therapy itself, a psychologist or psychotherapist is usually more appropriate.
How is it different from other professionals?
A social worker focuses on the person in their social context, connecting them with resources, rights and support networks. A psychologist works mainly on thoughts, emotions and behaviour through therapy. A family therapist works on relationships within the family; some social workers also train as family therapists. In mental health teams, social workers often handle the social side of recovery.
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.
How long does the process take?
Support can range from a single guidance appointment to ongoing follow-up over months or longer when situations are complex. The frequency depends on needs and may vary between periods of intense contact during a crisis and occasional check-ins later. Duration depends on the situation, the resources involved, administrative timelines and the person’s or family’s goals.
Online or in person?
Online or phone appointments are useful for information, follow-up, help with online applications and when travel is difficult. However, social work often benefits from in-person contact: home visits, accompanying people to services, assessing living conditions and building trust in difficult situations. Situations of risk to a person usually require face-to-face assessment.
How to check their qualifications
Social work is a regulated profession in many countries. Check that the social worker holds a recognised degree and is registered with the licensing body or professional college of the country where they practise. Ask about their experience in your area, such as ageing, disability, child and family, mental health or migration, and any further training in counselling or mediation.
What affects the price?
Many social workers work in public services or non-profit organisations, where support is often free or low-cost. Private social workers set fees according to experience, the type of service, such as reports, mediation or ongoing follow-up, travel for home visits, and the city. Ask what is included, and check first whether public social services cover your need.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Canada cover psychological care?
Each province and territory runs its own public health insurance plan. Care by psychiatrists, usually after a family doctor referral, and hospital or community mental health services are covered; sessions with psychologists in private practice are generally not covered and are paid privately or through workplace insurance.
How do I check that a social worker is licensed in Canada?
Provincial and territorial social work regulators: Social work is regulated in each province and territory; check the regulator's register.
Can I have online therapy in Canada?
Professionals are licensed by province or territory, so check that a therapist is licensed where you live before starting online sessions.