Group social worker vs psychiatric social worker

The differences between group social workers and psychiatric social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a group social worker, becoming a psychiatric social worker takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a psychiatric social worker has an average salary of $59,144, which is higher than the $52,195 average annual salary of a group social worker.

The top three skills for a group social worker include social work, community resources and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a psychiatric social worker are social work, patients, and crisis intervention.

Group social worker vs psychiatric social worker overview

	Group Social Worker	Psychiatric Social Worker
Yearly salary	$52,195	$59,144
Hourly rate	$25.09	$28.43
Growth rate	12%	9%
Number of jobs	52,383	57,284
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Master's Degree, 51%
Average age	43	45
Years of experience	12	2

Group social worker vs psychiatric social worker salary

Group social workers and psychiatric social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Group Social Worker	Psychiatric Social Worker
Average salary	$52,195	$59,144
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $76,000	Between $43,000 And $79,000
Highest paying City	-	San Mateo, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Highmark
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between group social worker and psychiatric social worker education

There are a few differences between a group social worker and a psychiatric social worker in terms of educational background:

	Group Social Worker	Psychiatric Social Worker
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Master's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Social Work	Social Work
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	University of Pennsylvania

Group social worker vs psychiatric social worker demographics

Here are the differences between group social workers' and psychiatric social workers' demographics:

	Group Social Worker	Psychiatric Social Worker
Average age	43	45
Gender ratio	Male, 34.4% Female, 65.6%	Male, 24.8% Female, 75.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 6.7% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%	Black or African American, 19.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 3.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	11%	13%

Differences between group social worker and psychiatric social worker duties and responsibilities

Group social worker example responsibilities.

Lead and co-le CBT and DBT skills-base groups with participants, as well as relapse prevention, mindfulness and process groups.
Conduct structured reminiscences and life review techniques with seniors to increase cognitive stimulation while promoting self-esteem among Alzheimer's patients.
Document cases using DMH standards.
Document sessions, consults, diagnostic updates, and treatment goals using DMH documentation.
Conduct structured reminiscences and life review techniques with seniors to increase cognitive stimulation while promoting self-esteem among Alzheimer's patients.

Psychiatric social worker example responsibilities.

Screen, identify, diagnose using DSM nomenclature, treat and manage mental health and/or substance abuse problems.
Provide clinical supervision and oversight to MSW intern who provide assessments and treatment.
Participate in weekly hospital social services meetings, weekly individual supervision, and facilitate change strategies for patients.
Guide, mentore, and tutor both BSW and MSW students in internship programs.
Assist individual in developing and practicing the skills define on their psychiatric rehabilitation plans.
Follow patients throughout hospitalization, working closely with attending psychiatrist; involve in family, individual and group treatment.

Group social worker vs psychiatric social worker skills

Common group social worker skills

Social Work, 39%
Community Resources, 13%
Crisis Intervention, 11%
Discharge Planning, 8%
Mental Illness, 7%
Substance Abuse, 7%

Common psychiatric social worker skills

Social Work, 23%
Patients, 16%
Crisis Intervention, 7%
Rehabilitation, 5%
Discharge Planning, 5%
Mental Health, 4%

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Group Social Worker
Group Social Worker vs Psychiatric Social Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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