Mental Health Social Work

In Mental Health Social Work, Colin Pritchard draws on his many years of experience in research, teaching and practice in order to explore key issues for social workers who want to work in the mental health field. In Mental Health Social Work, Colin Pritchard draws on his many years of experience in research, teaching and practice in order to explore key issues for social workers who want to work in the mental health field. Mental health social work can be one of the most rewarding and one of the most frustrating areas of social work practice. Social workers need to have a good knowledge of interventions and their evidence bases, from pharmacology to psychotherapy, but also be able to work sensitively and effectively with both clients and carers in a rapidly changing context. Based on a series of case studies and research based practice, the book explores key topics including: the multiple factors affecting mental health the bio-psycho-social model of practice key areas including depression, suicide, schizophrenia and personality disorder the mental healthâ€"child protection interface residential work treatment modalities. Presenting new and challenging research findings in this field, this book will be invaluable reading for undergraduate social work students and for practising social workers.

Mental Health Social Work provides students and practitioners in social work, human services and welfare studies with a thorough understanding of contemporary mental health theory and practice required for beginning practice as a mental health social worker. Testimonials from readers of previous editions are appreciative of the engaging style of writing that facilitates reflective practice for knowledge and skill development in mental health practice. Case studies with reflective and problem-solving questions provide insights into ethical dilemmas and the practical application of theory, models of assessment and interventions. Topics include reality states, changing paradigms, recovery, legislation, policy and practice standards, theory, assessment, diagnosis and interventions. Separate chapters are devoted to suicide and self-harm, alcohol and other drugs, women prisoners and disaster planning and recovery. New in this editionChapters updated to reflect current research findingsKey concepts revised to reflect contemporary language using a strengths-based approachThe Recovery StarCo-design Peer support Mindfulness Trauma-informed care and practice