clinical social work association

November 18, 2024

It has been almost two weeks since we received the results of our 2024 elections. While clinical social workers are by no means a political monolith, we are hearing from our members as well as our clients that many people are feeling discouraged, unsafe, and uncertain about the future.

CSWA's role will be as important as ever in these next four years. It is uncertain how a new administration will impact Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, the Affordable Care Act, regulations protecting mental health care, disability rights, and reimbursement rates. We will continue to monitor upcoming legislative and policy changes and inform you, as well as advocate tirelessly for you as clinical social workers. This allows us to focus on our core values of clinical social work, namely service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.

If you are so inclined, here are some ways that clinical social workers can be involved in these coming years:

1. Get to know your local and national elected representatives. Your calls, letters, and emails matter!

2. Consider joining advocacy groups that fit with your values.

3. Get to know your neighbors. Our micro-communities are important, and we need to care for each other.

4. Consider watching for advocacy opportunities for those groups who may be disenfranchised in our society, such as trans people, queer people, or undocumented immigrants.

5. Continue to read the information that CSWA sends about protecting mental health treatment. We will be your eyes and ears for our profession nationally!

CSWA is here for you. The Town Hall last week was called a “safe space” where members could talk to each other about the many feelings they had about the elections. Our next Town Hall will be on December 10th.

We're grateful for your support, today and in the future!

- Stephanie Payne, LCSW, CSWA President