Social work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help improve people's lives. Social workers help people function the best way they can in their environment, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and professional problems. Social workers practice in a variety of settings. Hospitals and psychiatric facilities they provide or arrange for a range of support services. In mental health, community centers, and private practice they provide counseling services on marriage, family, and adoption matters, and they help people through personal or community emergencies, such as dealing with loss or grief or arranging for disaster assistance.