Social Workers are concerned with the interactions between people and the institutions of society that affect the ability of people to accomplish life tasks, realize aspirations and values, and alleviate distress.

Three major purposes of social work are:

• to enhance the problem-solving, coping and developmental capacities of people
• to promote the effective and humane operation of the systems that provide people with resources and services
• to link people with systems that provide them with resources, services, and opportunities

The Summerville Family Health Team Social Workers can therefore provide services through: i) individual counselling, ii) family or couples counseling, or iii) support groups.

The Social Worker works with patients and their families in need of psychosocial help. An assessment is made of the patient's and family's psychosocial functioning and interventions suggested as needed. Interventions may include: connecting patients and families to necessary resources and supports in the community; providing brief psychotherapy, supportive counseling, or grief counseling; or helping a patient to expand and strengthen their network of social supports.