Mental Health Social Work Observed

The study Mental Health Social Work Observed was conducted in the UK in 1984 to provide information about the practice of social work in the field of mental health. It looked at both long-term work and emergency work, and the opinions of social workers, psychiatrists, family practitioners, and clients were sought to gain a full picture of social work in practice. The authors provided a sympathetic and lucid account of the difficulties of mental health social work and of interprofessional relationships, and produced recommendations relevant to social work practice at the time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite significant transformations in the structure of social and psychiatric services, the United Kingdom had not conducted a comprehensive study on mental health social work since the early 1960s. However, there was a prevailing belief that social work had failed to adequately serve individuals with mental disorders. To address this gap, a study titled Mental Health Social Work Observed was published in 1984. The primary objective of this study was to provide foundational insights into the practice of social work in the field of mental health.

The authors embarked on a comprehensive exploration, examining both long-term and emergency work scenarios where compulsory powers were invoked. In addition to seeking the perspectives of social workers, they also consulted with psychiatrists, family practitioners, and clients themselves to gather a holistic understanding of social work in practice. Through their deep immersion in the field of study and their firsthand experience in social work and mental health issues, the authors were able to offer a compassionate and insightful portrayal of the challenges faced by mental health social workers and the complex dynamics of interprofessional relationships.

The authors' findings and recommendations hold significant relevance to social work practice during the time of their publication. This book serves as a valuable resource for social workers, their managers, psychiatrists, family practitioners, psychiatric nurses, and clinical psychologists. Of particular importance to the prevailing changes in the role of social workers under the new mental health legislation is the authors' in-depth study of mental health emergency work, culminating in a recommended code of practice.

In conclusion, Mental Health Social Work Observed serves as a seminal work that sheds light on the field of mental health social work in the United Kingdom. Through its comprehensive analysis and insightful recommendations, the book contributes to our understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by social workers in this domain. It remains a valuable resource for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers alike, as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of social work and mental health care.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032046303