The Helping Hand: One Social Worker’s Journey in the Mental Health Field

Martin Anderson became a mental health social worker with high expectations and aspirations. He hoped to make a difference and to help the vulnerable improve their life circumstances. He worked diligently in school and obtained his Master’s Degree in Social Work--a career that pays considerably less than what the average Master’s level career would pay. Nevertheless, he sacrificed much to become a social worker, knowing the rewards he would receive for so noble a position. Though he was prepared for the difficulty of working with clients with many needs and challenges, nothing prepared him for the many barriers, disappointments, and lack of support he would get from others--even those with whom he worked. Still, he always made the welfare of the clients his top priority, no matter what the risks because he truly believed in what he did. His story is his testimony to all social work and psychology students.