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Play Higher's Social Work Simulator is a virtual reality simulation that introduces students to the high-demand field of behavioral health social work. Players step into the role of a new social worker meeting a client for the first time, making choices to build trust, assess needs using Maslow’s Hierarchy, and apply core values like self-determination and person-in-environment thinking. Gamified elements like a “Trust Meter,” quests, and office rewards make learning immersive and interactive. Developed by WVU’s School of Social Work with Roundtable Learning and MonRiverGames, the game was designed by licensed experts for realism and educational impact.
Play Higher supports career exploration for middle school through college-aged students, helping them envision a future in helping professions. It was created in direct response to West Virginia’s behavioral health workforce crisis—100% of counties in the state are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas by the Health Services Research Administration. Nationally, all social work careers are projected to grow 9% by 2031, while social workers in mental health and substance use treatment roles are expected to grow 22%.
This project was funded through U.S. Department of Labor–Employment & Training Administration grant, awarded by WV Higher Education Policy Commission. It was also funded by the CARES Act to increase the behavioral health workforce. Learn more at: https://playhigher.wvu.edu