Empowering Change: A Social Worker’s Perspective

Before becoming a social worker, I spent years as a touring musician, an experience that opened my eyes to the incredible diversity and beauty of people and places—and also to the harsh realities of challenges with mental health, addiction, trauma, and systemic inequities. These experiences shaped my deep awareness that privilege often determines life trajectories, and they fuel my commitment to fostering healing and change.

My therapeutic stance is grounded in evidence-based practices and a belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every person. I view relationships and social connection as powerful vehicles for transformation. Mindfulness-based approaches resonate strongly with me because they tap into something we all possess: the ability to pause, create space between stimulus and response, and choose actions aligned with our values. When combined with behavioral strategies, this approach empowers people to navigate adversity and pursue meaningful lives.

At its core, my work is guided by mutuality and non-confrontation. I see therapy as a collaborative journey—like two climbers on separate mountains, helping each other find safer paths. My role is not to stand above, but to walk alongside, offering perspective and support. This stance reflects my personal and professional values: advancing social empowerment, promoting resilience, and helping people discover their own capacity for growth.

View Resume: Levin Schwartz, LICSW (2026)

Learn More about Levin’s Clinical & Research Experiences

Implementation Facilitation of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder in Correctional Facilities