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Maurice Gattis and Archana Pathak use VCU’s “Call Me By My Name” initiative as an example for other organizations to adopt in this timely byline.

The importance of appropriate pronouns is something that is becoming more widely acknowledged, but not everyone may realize that chosen names matter just as much. They matter, moreover, not just for the transgender and nonbinary communities but also for people in a variety of situations for whom a legal name or birth name may not be their true chosen name. Due to the lack of conversation around this, organizations that wish to be supportive might not know how.
A social worker surveys a community member.

Social Work Research Methods That Drive the Practice

What is social work research? Learn more about the data-driven research designs and social work research methods that drive modern policy and practice.
A social worker takes notes while speaking with a young girl.

How Social Workers Help Children with Behavioral Health Challenges

In social work, behavioral health outcomes for children often depend on early treatment. Explore children’s behavioral health and the role of social workers.
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Hyojin Im weighs in on how people can cope with anxiety and trauma surrounding mass shootings.

An uptick in coverage of mass shootings has caused some to have crippling day-to-day anxiety. Hyojin Im, Ph.D., an associate professor in the online master of social work program at Virginia Commonwealth University explains how repeated trauma impacts the body's ability to accurately assess danger and cope with stress. Check out this article to read her insight.
A couple seated on a couch with a young child speaks to an adoption social worker.

What Does an Adoption Social Worker Do?

Adoption social workers play a vital role in matching children with prospective families. Explore this profession and the necessary steps to enter the field.
A group of social workers have a discussion.

The Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Social Work

How is interdisciplinary collaboration in social work empowering? Discover how a Master of Social Work prepares social workers to build valuable partnerships.
A social worker and a child sit facing each other at a table while the child draws on a clipboard.

Social Work Specializations and How to Choose the Right One

What social work specialization should you choose? Learn more about the main social work specializations and how to choose a career path in social work.
Four people wearing matching blue T-shirts sort donations of food and clothing.

How Do Social Work Field Placements Work?

What are social work field placements in social work education? Explore the benefits of social work field placements and how they advance your career.
A social worker sits across from a client and holds their hands.

Social Work and Vulnerable Populations: The Impact of the Pandemic

Social workers serve vulnerable populations, especially during the pandemic. Learn more about how social workers have responded to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Mental Health Awareness Month and the Negative Impacts of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and you can’t discuss mental health without discussing the LGBTQ community. That’s because mental health is an LGBTQ issue. The LGBTQ community faces disproportionate risk of negative mental health outcomes like depression, anxiety, and suicide. These risks are especially pertinent among LGBTQ children. According to a 2022 survey from The Trevor Project, 45 percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, 73 percent of LGBTQ youth experienced symptoms of anxiety, and 58 percent experienced symptoms of depression.