Trust in care during Mental Health Month: Why choosing a regulated professional matters

Caring for loved ones is one of life’s greatest responsibilities. In moments when support is needed the most, families want assurance that they are turning to professionals who are competent, ethical and accountable.
As the month of May is recognized as Mental Health Month, conversations about mental wellbeing becomes a focal point. It is also a reminder of the importance of knowing where to find trusted and professional support when it matters most. That is where registered social workers and social service workers step in.We are the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). As the provincial regulator of the largest group of regulated mental health professionals in Ontario, we ensure all our registrants follow the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to protect the public and to provide ethical, effective and community-centred care.
You care for your loved ones. When one of yours needs one of ours, social workers and social service workers are ready to provide trustworthy and quality care.

Finding support you can count on

When navigating life’s challenges, turning to a professional for support is a critical step. In those vulnerable moments, placing your trust in someone's hands requires confidence in their expertise and ethical standards. Taking the time to understand a professional’s qualifications is an essential act of empowerment that helps ensure you or your loved ones receive a high standard of care.The social work and social service work professions are regulated for a vital reason: to protect the public. The OCSWSSW sets strict requirements that applicants must meet to qualify for registration. Once registered, Ontario social workers and social service workers must follow high standards of practice and conduct and participate in ongoing learning to ensure their skills remain current throughout their careers. This framework provides crucial layers of safety and security for everyone receiving services.

A commitment to accountability and safety

As part of its public protection mandate, the OCSWSSW has rigorous complaints and discipline processes. The public can bring forward a complaint against social workers and social service workers, which the OCSWSSW investigates. We take professional misconduct extremely seriously, and disciplinary actions are used when required. This step helps provide an additional level of accountability, reinforcing that the professions are held
to the highest ethical benchmarks. This commitment to accountability is fundamental to maintaining public trust and ensuring that you and yours receive safe, ethical and professional care.

Get peace of mind: an easy way to verify that your mental health practitioner is regulated

The OCSWSSW provides a transparent and accessible Online Register to help you confirm the credentials of all social workers and social service workers in Ontario. Go to ocswssw.org and click on “FIND A REGISTRANT” at the top right corner. This comprehensive and up-to-date tool allows you to confirm a professional’s status in just a few clicks. It is a quick way to be assured that the professional you work with is accountable to the OCSWSSW and held to ethical and professional standards.

With the Online Register, you can:

* Confirm that an individual is registered with the OCSWSSW.

* Check their employment information.

* View any specific terms, conditions or limitations on their practice.

* See if they have any history of disciplinary action.

All Ontarians deserve support on their journey to better mental wellbeing. During Mental Health Month and throughout the year, reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide safe and ethical care is an important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Trust one of ours with one of yours.

Learn more at OCSWSSW.org.