16 22 23 A survey of 598 social workers found that 76% reported that they received no training on suicide while in graduate school. 13–18 Research has also shown that the curricula of many social work programmes have limited emphasis on mental disorders, 19 20 addictions 14 17 21 and suicide prevention and intervention. 11 12Ĭoncerns have been raised internationally about the gaps in social work education and training in mental health, and the discrepancies between what is taught in the classroom and what is needed in field education and practice. Social workers address psychosocial needs and they also advocate and empower individuals coping with mental health and addictions. 10 Social workers have a valuable contribution to mental healthcare in interprofessional teams with a focus not only on the individual with mental illness but also families and communities. This indicates that social workers across a broad range of specialities such as education, criminal justice, health, child welfare and private practice provide services to individuals with mental health and addiction concerns.
10 A survey by the National Association of Social Workers in the USA reported that 96% of social workers serve clients with mental health concerns, 87% work with individuals who have substance use disorders and 93% serve individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. 9 In the USA, 37% of licensed social workers list mental health as their top area of practice and specialisation, but even when this is not the primary area of practice, most social workers across various sectors are working with individuals with mental health and addiction concerns. The WHO reports social workers as one of the key professions in mental healthcare across 149 countries. 6Īs one of the core professions of the mental health workforce in the USA and worldwide, 7–9 social workers have a key responsibility to screen, assess and treat mental health and addiction concerns. 5 Individuals with mental health and addiction concerns have elevated risks of suicidal ideation and completion, and mental illness is the greatest risk factor for suicide among children and adolescents. 4 With respect to co-occurring disorders, research shows that >50% of individuals seeking help for an addiction also have a mental health concern, and 15%–20% of individuals seeking mental health services also have an addiction. 3 In the USA, one in five adults (43.6 million) report a form of mental illness across a 1 year period, and there are >21.5 million individuals with substance use disorders. They are the leading cause of the global burden of disease 1 2 and are among the primary causes of disability around the world. Articles also cover research, policy, specialized services, quality assurance, in-service training, and other topics that affect the delivery of health care services.Mental health and addiction concerns affect millions of individuals worldwide. For subscription information or to place an order, click here.įor 20 years, human services professionals have relied on Health & Social Work for the latest advances in areas such as aging, clinical work, long-term care, oncology, substance abuse, depression, and maternal health.Institutional and Corporate Subscriptions: NASW members can access articles online at: Health & Social Work SUBSCRIPTIONS
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