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Online Master
of Social Work Articles

In our article library, you can find insights and news about our M.S.W. online option and read profiles of our expert faculty. You can also gain a deeper understanding of clinical social work, potential career paths and the myriad ways that the VCU Social Work program’s graduates are making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Online Master
of Social Work Articles

In our article library, you can find insights and news about our M.S.W. online option and read profiles of our expert faculty. You can also gain a deeper understanding of clinical social work, potential career paths and the myriad ways that the VCU Social Work program’s graduates are making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities.

VCU MSW Alum, Nina Rhys.
Nina Rhys, a clinical social worker, shares her experience in VCU’s online Master of Social Work program and insights from more than 25 years in health care.
A sad-looking person sits outdoors gazing off into the distance.
Grief has affected many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about grief counseling techniques and other ways social workers support people suffering a loss.
VCU-branded graphic that reads "VCU SSW in the News."
Social workers – the largest group of behavioral health providers – can assist those in recovery from substance use who may be struggling during the pandemic, write Dr. Rebecca Gomez, an associate dean and faculty member at VCU, and her co-author. Social workers can validate the additional stress of clients, encourage them to utilize virtual peer supports, and look for early warning signs of new stressors while also encouraging healthy coping strategies.
A person raises their hand to make the sign for domestic violence.
What resources are available to people dealing with domestic violence in Virginia? Learn about empowering support systems that can lead you to a life of safety.
A veteran in a military uniform receives a hug from their young child.
VA social workers are dedicated to military veterans’ health and well-being. Learn more about the skills and knowledge needed to do social work with veterans.
VCU-branded graphic that reads "VCU SSW in the News."
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased burnout among high-stress healthcare occupations, including social workers. An important part of the VCU School of Social Work’s curriculum is providing students “opportunities to learn about the practice of self-care during their coursework. They also get to see this modeled during their hands-on learning in the field,” says Dr. Rebecca Gomez, an associate dean and faculty member at the school.
VCU-branded graphic that reads "VCU SSW in the News."
Dr. Basil Gooden of the VCU School of Social Work is part of an interdisciplinary team working to fight food insecurity, which is the lack of access to nutritious food that supports a healthy lifestyle. Poverty and housing insecurity are key causes of food insecurity, which affects between 10-11% of the U.S. population. “With lower-resource, lower-income communities, those numbers go up,” Gooden says.