Social workers play an invaluable role in so many people’s lives; they advocate, care for, and manage the well-being of people facing some of life's toughest challenges. Among these challenges, mental health issues are some of the most complex and prevalent.
Whether you are working with children, adults, families, and communities as a whole, social workers can often find themselves unexpectedly at the front line of mental health care. In an ideal world, those with mental health troubles would be seen expeditiously by psychologists and psychiatrists who have years of experience treating patients. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and even when good treatment plans are put in place by specialists, social workers play an important part in applying them.
The Spectrum of Mental Disorders
The most important reason for social workers to have a good understanding of the issues their clients face is because there are just so many of them. There are at least 200 classified mental health disorders–not that you have to memorize them all, but having a good understanding of a few commonalities–and differences between them can make all the difference.
Disorders vary widely, not only in their symptoms but in how those symptoms are visible and affect your client's lives. Some disorders, like anxiety and depression, are more common and may be more recognizable, and you likely have prior experience with them. Others, like schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder, are incredibly complex and difficult even for professional psychs to diagnose.
As a social worker, you can easily learn how to identify the nuances in your client's mental state and watch for the warning signs that things are spiraling out of your control. This knowledge will allow you to provide more personalized care, advocate more effectively for expert care when it is really needed, and support clients in navigating the complex beast that is our healthcare system.
Importance of Accurate Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step to overcoming a mental disorder is a good diagnosis; without one, treatment is a stab in the dark. The trouble is many people are scared of going to see a specialist, a fear which is entirely understandable; however, the research shows that patients benefit from diagnosis because it validates, improves self-esteem, and, importantly, explains what is going on. The trouble is that all labels tend to stick–even the bad ones, so getting your client to a competent practitioner who will spend time going through a comprehensive mental health screen can make all the difference.
Effective Communication with Clients
Active listening is so important and seems incredibly simple, but it is, in fact, a skill that requires years of practice to master; luckily, there are some great tips that can help you pick up some of the most important skills in no time.
Effective communication is emphasized at all levels for a reason, from undergraduate social work or counseling to online advanced standing MSW programs, so getting a head start by practicing active listening skills with those around you will make studying and your future job so much easier.
Intervention Strategies and Treatment Planning
Social workers on the front lines often see what others fail to. Their relationships with clients allow them to gain a much better understanding of what exactly is going on in that person's head–and life. Staying up to date with the latest developments in your client's journey along a treatment plan gives insight into when a change is needed. You could be caring for an autistic child who has been put on a behavioral intervention schedule to minimize harmful stimming, notice the behavior getting worse, and adjust the plan.
Supporting Families and Caregivers
Social workers often bridge the gap between healthcare and families, especially when working with children. Alongside parents and families, your expertise is critical when it comes to monitoring and identifying the nuances in your client’s mental state and watching for the warning signs that things are spiraling out of your control.
Your knowledge and understanding of mental health problems lets you provide more personalized care, advocate more effectively for expert care when it is truly needed, explain your client's situation and needs to family, and support them in navigating the recovery journey together.
