Veterinary Social Work

Is it the Career Path for You?

Tune in to NASW’s Facebook and YouTube Live

Join the discussion with NASW President Yvonne Chase; Aviva Vincent, Ph.D., LSW, Assistant Professor and Veterinary Social Worker at Cleveland State University School of Social Work; and Thomas Favale, DVM, LMSW, a veterinarian, social worker and certified coach and assistant professor at Lincoln Memorial University.

This webinar examines the intersection of trauma, culture, and systemic inequity in mental health care delivery. Drawing on real-world case studies, interactive discussion, and clinical frameworks, participants will explore how trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices are not simply clinical techniques — they are acts of social justice. Through the lens of Health Equity, clinicians will examine the structural forces that create barriers to care, challenge deficit-based clinical language, and identify concrete strategies to transform their practice from the micro to the macro level. Helen's Project serves as a living example of what equitable, community-centered behavioral health care looks like in action.

The Washington State House passed the Matt Adler Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management Training Act of 2012 on February 10th, 2012. This act adds a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW and requires initial and ongoing training in suicide prevention for Chemical Dependency Professionals, Licensed Social Workers, and other professions.

The NASW National Board and elected Delegates from NASW's 54 chapters convene for the culminating meeting of the 2026 Delegate Assembly.

Over the past several years the rates of suicide for Hispanic, Black, Asian and Pacific Islander youth have seen significant increases, while the rate of suicide amongst White youth has decreased. Additionally, the risk of suicide among 2SLGBTQIA+ youth is three times that of their heterosexual and cisgender peers. (Chu, J., O’Neill, S.E., Ng, J.F., Khoury, O. (2022). The Cultural Theory and Model of Suicide for Youth.)