Which role assesses and treats individuals with mental illness or substance abuse problems?

• A. Social and Human Service Assistant
• B. School Counselor
• C. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
• D. Policy Analyst

Answer: (C)

The main idea is recognizing which professional is trained to both assess and treat mental health and substance use issues. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are specifically trained to evaluate clients’ mental health and addiction concerns, develop and implement treatment plans, provide counseling or psychotherapy, and connect individuals with community resources and follow-up services. They work in settings like hospitals, mental health clinics, addiction treatment centers, and private practice, often collaborating with psychiatrists or psychologists to support comprehensive care.

Other roles have different primary focuses. Social and Human Service Assistants support clients with intake, scheduling, and coordinating services under supervision, rather than conducting in-depth clinical assessments or delivering therapy. School Counselors concentrate on students’ educational progress, career planning, and social-emotional development within a school setting, rather than treating mental illness or substance use disorders across the broader population. Policy Analysts analyze and develop policies, studying data and programs to guide decisions rather than providing direct clinical care.