Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Social Work: Clinical Applications

Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Social Work provides a comprehensive text on assessment, goal-setting, and intervention, considering the complexities of multiple system levels and professional ethics when working with impoverished, diverse, and vulnerable youth populations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The aim of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Social Work is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the field, encompassing a wide range of topics and aspects. This text aims to serve as a valuable resource for social workers, educators, and professionals who work with children and adolescents, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address their mental health needs.

Assessment is a crucial component of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Social Work. It involves a comprehensive biopsychosocial-cultural/spiritual risk and resilience assessment, as well as the use of standardized assessment scales such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). These assessments help social workers gain a deeper understanding of the individual's mental health condition, including their strengths, challenges, and coping strategies.

Goal-setting is another essential aspect of intervention in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Social workers work with children and adolescents to develop personalized goals that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. These goals may include improving social skills, reducing anxiety or depression, improving academic performance, or developing healthy relationships.

Intervention in Child and Adolescent Mental Health encompasses a wide range of approaches, including medication, evidence-based interventions, and the process of evidence-based practice with children and adolescents. Medication may be prescribed in certain cases to alleviate symptoms of mental disorders, but it is always used in conjunction with other interventions. Evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions.

The social work context is integrated throughout Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Social Work. This involves considering the complexities of multiple system levels involved with the occurrence of mental disorders and youth adjustment and recovery. Social workers recognize the importance of working collaboratively with other professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians, to provide comprehensive and holistic care.

Professional ethics and demeanor are also critical when working with impoverished, diverse, and vulnerable youth populations in inter-disciplinary settings. Social workers must prioritize the well-being and safety of their clients, while also respecting their cultural and social backgrounds. They must also be aware of the potential biases and power dynamics that may exist in these settings and work to mitigate them.

In conclusion, Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Social Work is a complex and multifaceted field that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. By integrating assessment, goal-setting, intervention, and the social work context, social workers can help children and adolescents overcome mental health challenges and achieve their full potential. This text serves as a valuable resource for those working in the field, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective and compassionate care to vulnerable youth populations.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 236 x 155 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197653562