When thinking about social work, there are several avenues that a worker can explore in this vast field. Because the work of a social worker is multifaceted, workers can not only integrate into an already created path, but they can also customize a field, specifically for a community need. Considering the multiple fields within social work, the area of ​​social workers in mental health facilities and outpatient clinics stands out as an area of ​​depth and interest. This field is important because it allows social workers to play an integral role in assisting patients, some of whom have been kept in large hospital facilities for long periods of time, to become active, functioning members of society as they cope with the task of managing their particular mental illness. The NASW job profile states that "social workers employed in mental health clinics may have a range of job functions depending on their specific roles. Possible job titles include, but are not limited to, clinical social worker, licensed clinical social, mental health specialist, clinician, therapist, counselor, director, or case manager (NASW p.2 “In 1963, the Community Mental Health Act went into effect. This law was created to provide federal funding to centers mental health communities in the United States. The CMHA gave money to states to create local mental health centers. These health centers would be led by the National Institute of Mental Health. The purpose of the CMHA was to provide community-based care, as an alternative to institutionalization, which was previously the most popular and expensive response to assisting people with mental illness. These different clinics and faci...... half of the document ......if, and learn how to use non-traditional methods to achieve therapeutic results with patients. The educational requirements for working in this particular field are geared to be not only an aid to patients struggling with adjustment, but also a therapeutic aid. Social workers obviously must obtain a bachelor's degree and meet all necessary state certifications. Many social workers also obtain a master's degree, to become licensed counselors, which can be essential when working in this field. Works Cited Kim, H., Ji, J., & Kao, D. (2011). Burnout and physical health among social workers: A three-year longitudinal study. Social Work, 56(3), 258-268.Gibelman, M. (2005). What social workers do. (2nd edition). Washington, DC: NASW Press.http://workforce.socialworkers.org/studies/profiles/Mental%20Health%20Clinics.pdf