Psychotherapy is a range of techniques which use only dialog and communication and which are designed to improve the mental health of a patient, or to improve group relationships. Commonly psychotherapy involves a therapist and client who discuss their issues in an effort to discover underlying problems and to find constructive solutions.

Social work is a helping profession focused on social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Social workers usually work with people viewed as having special disadvantages, such as persons with low incomes, persons with disabilities, elders, and persons diagnosed with mental illness. Some social workers provide counseling services to clients who are experiencing psycho-social difficulties.