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 Nepal
Since 2018, treatment of depression, psychosis, alcohol use disorder and epilepsy is part of the Basic Health Service Package and free at primary level, delivered by health workers trained with the WHO mhGAP programme in health posts and municipal primary care centres.
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.