APPLICATION OF SOCIAL WORK IN PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

The application of social work (SW) in psychological counseling for high school students in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the focus of this study. The research employed a combination of literature synthesis, field surveys and in-depth thematic analysis. Findings indicate that social work plays a critical role in supporting students to address common psychological issues such as anxiety, depression and family conflicts, while also enhancing life skills and career orientation. However, the implementation of school-based social work faces multiple challenges, including a shortage of qualified professionals, the absence of clear legal frameworks and limited coordination among schools, families and communities. The paper proposes several solutions, including policy improvement, professional training and strengthened intersectoral collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of social work in educational settings.