Can a social worker prescribe medication? Many people feel unsure about which professionals handle therapy, diagnosis or medical treatment, and it is not always clear where social workers fit. Understanding the scope of social work helps you make informed choices about your mental health care.
This guide explains what social workers can do, how they support treatment decisions and where they work alongside medical professionals.
Who Can Prescribe Medication in Australia?
To understand whether a social worker can prescribe medication, it helps to know who can. In Australia, medication can only be prescribed by:
- GPs
- Psychiatrists
- Paediatricians
- Nurse practitioners
Because prescribing sits within medical scope, a social worker cannot prescribe medication. However, this does not limit the depth or value of the support they provide around treatment decisions and wellbeing.
What Social Workers Do Instead of Prescribing Medication
Although a social worker cannot prescribe medication, they offer emotional, practical and therapeutic support that helps people navigate the healthcare system more confidently.
A social worker can:
- Help you explore whether medication aligns with your needs
- Prepare questions for your GP or psychiatrist
- Translate complex medical language into easy-to-understand information
- Support you to reflect on fears or uncertainty
- Monitor how symptoms affect daily functioning
- Provide therapy alongside medical treatment
- Advocate for changes when something does not feel right
This guidance reduces stress and helps you feel more prepared and engaged throughout the process.
How Social Workers Support Mental Health and Wellbeing
Social workers focus on emotional wellbeing, daily functioning, social connection and capacity building. HealthDirect describes social workers as helping people navigate and manage challenges related to emotions, relationships, identity and life transitions
They can support you through:
- Anxiety or low mood
- Trauma and emotional distress
- Relationship or family challenges
- Identity and self-worth concerns
- Stress at work or school
- Overwhelm, burnout or uncertainty
Their work blends therapy with real-world skills, which is especially helpful for people navigating complex stress or neurodivergence.
What Happens When Medication Is Part of a Care Plan?
When a psychiatrist or GP recommends medication, a social worker supports the emotional and practical side of that treatment. Their aim is to strengthen the routines and coping skills that sit around medication, making the experience more manageable.
A social worker may help you:
- Stabilise routines and self-care
- Understand emotional changes
- Adjust to new expectations
- Process feelings about diagnosis or identity
- Communicate with family, carers or workplaces
- Stay grounded during trial periods or dose adjustments
Medication may support symptom reduction. Social work strengthens life around those symptoms.
Therapy Without Medication
Many people prefer to start with therapy before exploring medication. A social worker provides space to explore concerns, build understanding and develop skills without pressure.
A social worker can offer:
- Individual therapy
- Support for emotional regulation
- Family and relationship counselling
- Trauma-informed care
- Guidance for navigating the NDIS
- Coaching and problem-solving strategies
- You do not need a diagnosis, referral or medication to work with a social worker.
A Neuro-Affirming and Trauma-Informed Approach
Many social workers practise in a neuro-affirming and trauma-informed way. This approach respects individual differences, reduces shame and focuses on safety, empowerment and collaboration.
A trauma-informed social worker aims to ensure:
- You feel safe and heard
- Your strengths are recognised
- Your identity is supported
- You feel involved in every decision
- Emotional needs and lived experience guide the process
This is particularly helpful for people exploring ADHD, Autism or long-term stress.
Should You See a Social Worker If You Are Considering Medication?
Seeing a social worker can be very helpful when you are exploring treatment options. They can support you to understand your experiences, clarify what you want from treatment and prepare for medical appointments.
A social worker can help you:
- Identify your goals and values
- Understand concerns about medication
- Gain clarity before seeing a GP or psychiatrist
- Track changes in functioning
- Develop coping skills alongside treatment
This holistic support creates a more stable foundation for decision making.
Final Thoughts
A social worker cannot prescribe medication in Australia, but they play an essential role in emotional, practical and therapeutic support. Their work helps you understand your options, navigate decisions and build long-term wellbeing.
Looking for support? Book a session with a Brisbane based social worker today and take the next step towards meaningful change.
To learn more about social work roles in Australia, visit HealthDirect or the AASW.