The Role of the Social Worker in Addressing Anxiety in Adults

This class covers causes, risk factors, symptoms, and effects of anxiety, social workers’ roles in assessment, case management, treatment, evidence-based techniques, challenges, and case studies

🕒 4 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 03/22/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1352863

Education Pathways, LLC provider #2485 , is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 4 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

explores the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and effects of anxiety. The role of the social worker in assessment, case management, and treatment of anxiety is addressed. Different types of anxiety disorders are described, and specific evidence-based treatment techniques are provided. Challenges for social workers in treating anxiety disorders are discussed, along with recommendations for expanding and improving their roles. Case studies are used to deepen understanding of how treatment programs can be incorporated into diverse practice situations and models.

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Learning Objectives:

Describe multifaceted ways social workers address anxiety in adults.
Compare and contrast symptoms of GAD and Panic Disorder.
Identify categories of phobias and examples of each.
Apply social work principles to treatment of anxiety.
Compare psychosocial models of care with psychologist/psychiatrist approaches.
Select appropriate assessment tools for different client presentations.
Create SMART goals and justify referrals for complex cases.
Compare evidence-based treatment models (CBT, DBT, ACT, MBSR, MI, EMDR, SFBT, Exposure Therapy).
Connect clients with community resources to reduce anxiety.
Address challenges such as resistance to therapy and systemic barriers.
Summarize case studies and intervention plans.
Explore holistic, digital, and policy approaches for future practice.

View Course Timed Agenda

Introduction (5 minutes)

Definition and prevalence of anxiety
Overview of social workers’ role in addressing anxiety

Understanding Anxiety (48 minutes)

Types of anxiety disorders: GAD, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Agoraphobia
Symptoms, causes, and risk factors
Impact on relationships, work, and well-being

Overview of the Role of Social Workers (25 minutes)

Scope: assessment, diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, community education, family support, crisis intervention
Principles of social work guiding treatment (dignity, justice, service, integrity, competence, relationships, confidentiality, empowerment)
Psychosocial model of care: biopsychosocial assessment, psychoeducation, interventions, social support, case management, advocacy, relapse prevention

Specific Assessments for Anxiety Disorders (23 minutes)

Tools: GAD-7, Beck Anxiety Inventory, PHQ-9, SCID-5
Biological and medical factors
Observing thought patterns and cognitive distortions
Risk assessment
Treatment planning and referrals
When to make outside referrals (medication, co-occurring conditions, risk of self-harm, poor therapy response)

Evidence-Based Treatment Models (64 minutes)

CBT: principles, applications, evidence
DBT: features, evidence
ACT: principles, evidence
MBSR: principles, evidence
Motivational Interviewing: principles, evidence
EMDR: overview, evidence
SFBT: overview, suitable disorders
Exposure Therapy: features, evidence

Additional Roles of Social Workers (10 minutes)

Case management and advocacy
Coordination with healthcare providers, psychiatrists, PCPs, therapists, substance abuse counselors
Crisis intervention and emergency care coordination
Linking clients to community resources, psychoeducation, peer support, practical support

Challenges Faced by Social Workers (11 minutes)

Systemic barriers, reluctance to seek help, burnout, compassion fatigue

Case Studies (31 minutes)

Case Study 1: Group therapy intervention plan
Case Study 2: Individual therapy case
Case Study 3: Complex co-occurring conditions

Future of Social Work in Anxiety Care (19 minutes)

Holistic approaches: mind-body techniques, lifestyle adjustments, sleep hygiene, stress management
Digital interventions: apps, telehealth, VR, AI chatbots, journaling, wearables, gamified tools, online communities, digital CBT
Policy changes and advocacy for stronger social work practices

Summary of Key Findings (4 minutes)

Recap of social workers’ role in treatment of anxiety in adults

Total Minutes: 240

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