Social Work and Mental Health

Social Work and Mental Health offers a fresh approach to addressing mental health issues across all aspects of social work practice, emphasising the relevance of mental health for all social workers, not just those in specialist mental health settings.

The book provides critical engagement with the complexities of contemporary theory, policy and practice in this area, recognising developments in user and carer involvement and interprofessional working. Key chapters focus on issues of inequality and diversity, drawing attention to the social determinants of health and the important contribution of social work in promoting social perspectives in mental health.

Practice issues addressed include the mental health of children, young people and families, and older people, as well as a range of mental health conditions that are likely to be encountered. Promoting rights, recovery and social justice—and balancing these with considerations of risk—are core themes that run throughout the text.

The book contains a number of practice examples and points for reflection intended to encourage critical thinking and further exploration of the issues raised. Suggestions for additional reading and resources are also offered at the end of each chapter.

Overall, the book provides a valuable framework for understanding and responding to mental health issues that will be useful for all social work students and practitioners as well as a wider audience.