Social Work HQ Podcast

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a therapist—or what goes on behind the scenes in private practice—this episode gives you a real, honest look.In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in grief therapy, including pet loss and complex grief.We talk about:What a day in the life of a therapist actually looks likeThe emotional reality of working with grief and lossWhy burnout happens in therapy rolesThe importance of boundaries and self-careHow therapists build real connections with clientsThe truth about income and flexibility in private practiceWe also dive into the human side of therapy—what actually helps clients, what doesn’t, and why connection matters more than any technique.If you’re considering becoming a therapist or want to better understand the field of social work, this episode will give you a much clearer picture of what to expect.🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations about social work careers. If you would like some tools to help you in your search for social work jobs, find those at this link: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW#socialwork #therapy #mentalhealth

If you’ve ever wondered what social workers actually do in the corrections system, this episode gives you a real, unfiltered look.In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a forensic social worker who works inside a jail setting, supporting individuals in custody through crisis, mental health challenges, and reentry planning.We talk about:What it’s really like working in a jail as a social workerThe reality of working with individuals in custodyWhy many people return to the system—and what’s missingThe emotional challenges of helping people who aren’t ready for changeBurnout, boundaries, and staying true to your roleThe importance of seeing the human behind the chargeWe also dive into a powerful real-life situation where advocating for a client meant going against the system.If you’re considering social work or want to better understand the field beyond therapy, this episode will open your eyes to a side of social work most people never see.Social Work Job Tools Here: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW#socialwork #socialworker #careers

If you’ve ever wondered what ER social workers actually do—this is a behind-the-scenes look you won’t hear in school.In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a trauma hospital ER social worker to break down what the job really looks like in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.We talk about:The difference between trauma cases and major medical emergenciesWhat happens when patients come in unidentified (John/Jane Doe)How social workers support families during life-or-death situationsWorking alongside police, medical teams, and community systemsHow ER social workers prioritize multiple critical cases at onceThe reality of burnout and what it takes to succeed in this roleThis is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at medical social work—especially in a trauma center setting.If you’re considering social work or exploring different career paths in the field, this episode will give you real insight into what to expect.Job tools here: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW#socialwork #ersocialworker #medicalsocialwork #careers

If you’re considering social work—or already in the field—this is a conversation you need to hear.In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a hospital case manager to talk about what social work actually looks like beyond the classroom.We talk about:The reality of hospital case managementBurnout and learning to set boundariesWhy you can’t “save everyone” in this fieldThe challenges of working within healthcare systemsWhat social work school doesn’t fully prepare you forThis is an honest look at the field—the good, the hard, and everything in between.If you’re trying to figure out your path in social work, this episode will give you real insight into what to expect.#socialwork #socialworker #msw #careers

If you’re considering social work—or already in the field—this is a conversation you need to hear.In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a social worker who shares the real, unfiltered reality of working in mental health and family-based services.We talk about:Why burnout happens so quickly in social workWhat the day-to-day actually looks like (and what school doesn’t prepare you for)The challenges of working with high-needs families and complex systemsHow insurance, documentation, and productivity expectations impact the jobThe emotional toll—and the rewarding moments that make it worth itThis is an honest look at the field—the good, the hard, and everything in between.If you’re trying to figure out what social work is really like, or what path might be right for you, this episode will give you real insight you won’t get in a classroom.#socialwork #socialworker #msw #lcsw #careeradvic

What does an ER crisis social worker actually do?In this episode of Social Work HQ, I interview a social worker who works in emergency room crisis intervention. We talk about what it’s like responding to mental health emergencies in the ER, supporting patients during psychiatric crises, and working alongside doctors, nurses, and law enforcement in high-stress situations.We also discuss what a typical shift can look like, the skills needed to succeed in crisis work, and what new social workers should know if they’re interested in working in hospital or emergency mental health settings.If you're considering a career in social work, hospital social work, or crisis intervention, this conversation offers an honest look at what the job is really like.Subscribe to Social Work HQ for interviews with social workers across different career paths so you can better understand the many options available in the field. For tools and resources to help you through the social work field, go to this link: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW01:20 Career path in social work05:30 Everyday in ER crisis work07:10 Responsibility of a crisis worker10:00 Documentation in the ER 11:30 Number 1 skill for a crisis worker13:00 Who should NOT be in this role15:00 Pay scale for social work crisis worker17:30 Career growth in ER crisis work19:10 Tele health & social work 23:00 Advice for new coming social workers27:00 Can anyone go to the ER in crisis?

If you're thinking about becoming a therapist as a social worker, there are a few things you should understand before choosing this career path.In this interview, I speak with a therapist about what the job is actually like — including the realities of the work, common misconceptions about therapy, and what social work students should know before pursuing this path.Many social workers assume therapy is the most common or most financially rewarding option in the field, but the day-to-day work, expectations, and challenges may not be what people expect.If you're considering becoming a therapist or exploring different social work career paths, this conversation can help you better understand what the role really involves.Watch the full interview to learn more about:• What therapists actually do day to day• Skills needed to become a therapist• Challenges therapists face in the field• Advice for social work students considering therapyFree Social Work Interview Guide + Career Resources:https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSWSubscribe for more interviews with social workers across different specialties and career paths.#socialwork #therapist #mentalhealthcareers #msw #socialworker

In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a licensed therapist to discuss what it’s really like working in the field. We cover how she became a therapist, what her day-to-day looks like, salary expectations, challenges, burnout, and advice for students considering this path.If you’re thinking about becoming a therapist or pursuing your MSW, this interview will give you a realistic look at the career.Free Social Work Interview Guide + Career Resources:https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSWTopics covered:00:00 Intro00:50 Starting SW Later In Life05:46 Why She Chose Therapy07:49 The #1 Skill Social Workers Need09:00 Preparing for Social Work12:00 Therapist Caseload Numbers14:00 Accepting Insurance or Private Pay17:08 Biggest Therapy Misconception18:30 Good Therapist vs Good Client20:56 Are Social Workers Good Therapists?24:57 Who Should NOT Be a Therapist26:23 The “Blank Slate” Debate29:17 Most Stressful Part of Therapy32:38 Career Growth in Therapy34:58 Should Therapists Specialize?36:33 How Therapists Fill Their Caseload39:10 AI vs Social Work41:19 Therapist Salary44:39 Social Workers vs Other Clinicians46:27 ClosingLike and subscribe for more social work career interviews and job resources.