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Summer Issue 2026

Social Work Advocates National Association of Social Workers Summer 2026

Cover Story

person in boat navigating sea of AI prompts

AI and Clinical Social Work

As the use of artificial intelligence rapidly advances, mental health professionals and lawmakers are working to put up guardrails around what AI can do for/offer to users, ensuring that those in need of therapeutic support receive human-first care.

While there are some concerning trends with AI use, there also are tools that can help clinical social workers—like documentation programs and virtual assistants that can increase efficiency. But social workers are urged to use these tools with caution, paying attention to patient confidentiality in particular.

Feature Article

foot on a gas pedal made out of a book with a person holding the book up

Student Loan Access and Forgiveness

Whereas social work was once classified as a professional degree, it has been recategorized as a graduate degree. Any graduate degrees, including social work, will have lower student loan limits under the new rule the U.S. Department of Education implemented on May 1. The change takes effect on July 1.

Feature Article

Resilience and Community in Rural Social Work

Accessibility where populations are spread thin and providers spread even thinner can make it impossible for people to get to the services they need. Social workers in rural areas must often come up with creative solutions to meet their clients where they are, not only physically, but socially and emotionally as well.

From the President

Reflections from the Past, Visions for the Future

NASW President Yvonne Chase reflects on the challenges and accomplishments of her term, which ends on June 30.

Workforce News

The True Value and Vital Importance of Social Work

NASW advocacy efforts on mental health bill and other issues need your voice and action, writes NASW Chief of Programs Barbara Bedney.

Viewpoints

Understanding Parentification is an Essential Part of Your Clinical Toolkit

Clinical social workers should note relational patterns of clients who as children were parentified (given adult responsibilities beyond their developmental scope), writes Lauren Dennelly, PhD, LCSW

NASW News

members of NASW attend a congressional hearing about maintaining social workers profession status

NASW Criticizes Department of Education Rule on Student Loans

The U.S. Department of Education implements limits on student loans for social workers, despite NASW's advocacy efforts. But the association says it will keep working to find solutions.

NASW News

National Conference Offers Pioneer-Led Session on Thought Leadership

NASW Social Work Pioneers are among the presenters at this year's conference, taking place June 10-13 in Washington, D.C.

Advocates Extra

man putting cowboy hat on child that he is holding while standing in a field

Advocates Extra

Advocates Extra is a biweekly publication from NASW that informs readers about issues important to the social work profession.

Public Eye

In the Public Eye

NASW members quoted in media stories discuss ICE protests; eating disorders; grief during holidays; LGBTQ+ mental health and safety; ethical atrophy; and human trafficking.

Schools of Social Work

Helping the ‘Justice-Involved’

At its core, forensic social work education teaches students to address disparities in the criminal justice system.

Backstory 1

Katy Armendariz, MSW, LICSW

The drive to help when, where and how it is needed most is representative of Armendariz’s career as a social worker.

Backstory 2

Emily Rubin, LICSW, MSW, MA

“Siblings are an overlooked and underserved population, and that area of study felt like a natural outgrowth of my interest in resiliency,” says Rubin.

Practice Updates

SPS

SPS Administration/Supervision: Transparent, Honest Communication Paramount for Social Work Leaders

Social work leaders must balance empathy with strategy and stability with adaptation, says Gigi Tsontos, LCSW, MPA.

SPS Private Practice: Studies Highlight Value of Expressing Kindness

Kindness can improve happiness and a sense of engagement with life, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and increase a sense of social connectedness.

SPS Children, Adolescents and Young Adults: Mentoring and Its Benefits Can be Natural or Structured

Mentoring can foster hope, celebrate strengths, build skills, and inspire confidence.

Clinical Practice

CMS 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Explained in New Document

The document, “Highlights of the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule,” informs members of changes in the Physician Fee Schedule implemented on Jan. 1, 2026.

NASW Opposes CMS’ Plan to Withdraw Nursing Staffing Requirements

Rescission of the staffing final rule would be disastrous for nursing home residents, their families, and nursing home staff, NASW said in comments sent to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Tate Honored with Georgia Anetzberger Award

Rachel Tate, a member of NASW's California Chapter, received the award for her work in elder justice.

NASW’s 2025 Activities Focused on Gero Social Work Practice

NASW continues its work to enhance and promote social work with and on behalf of older adults.

News

Chapters

NASW Chapters Host Grants That Promote the Social Work Workforce

Some of the current grants, which the NASW Foundation administers, include NASW chapters in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Minnesota.

Chapter Briefs

Updates from Florida, New York, Washington and Wisconsin

Foundation

New Staff Members Plan to Grow the NASW Foundation’s Programs

Darrel Gibson is the Foundation's development and strategic partnership director, and Amanda Gonzales is the new project manager.

Boardroom

Chapter President Aims to Bring Social Work Lens to Pennsylvania Legislature

Sierra McNeil, MSW, is president of the NASW Pennsylvania Chapter.

Former Journalist Transitions to Social Work With a Macro Focus

Jayanthi Daniel, MSW, is president of the NASW California Chapter.

Publications

Author Uncovers Unconscious Stigma When Aiding Clients

It is vital that social workers continuously question their assumptions to make sure they are not unconsciously promoting stigma, says Tracy Robinson Whitaker, author of "Transformational Empathy: Erasing the Space Between Us and Them."

Comprehensive Approach Needed for Clients With Serious Illness, Editors Say

People with serious illness deserve compassionate, culturally competent, person-centered care focused on maintaining and enhancing their quality of life.