SOCIAL WORK WEBSITE - PUSWP-BETH.ORG
Psychiatric Social Workers
Generally speaking, psychiatric social workers try to help individuals who suffer from some form of mental illness. Sometimes called "clinical social workers", they aid in assimilating their clients into the outside world and teach them ways to cope within their environments, as well as helping them to develop the necessary social skills. In most instances, to practice in the field of psychiatric social work, the person must at least possess an MSW. Plus, each state has its own requirements regarding licensing, registration and certification.
The field of psychiatric social work is unique in that it requires the social worker to understand the specific factors for the client's behavior. To work with those who suffer from mental diseases requires a thorough understanding of the principles of the disease. Further, many people nowadays were not necessarily born with a mental illness, but rather developed it as a result of some traumatic event or even just everyday stresses. As a result, psychiatric social workers may counsel and treat those who suffer from addictions, anxiety related issues, depression, eating related disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, grief and loss, childhood abuse, obsessions, and schizophrenic behavior.
Additionally, educational institutes provide psychiatric social workers to their students in an attempt to help them better cope with the stress of university life and being on their own, as well as to prevent suicide. In fact, universities intently strive to develop preventive mental health education policies. Where a person's emotional state was once his/her own business, it is now incumbent on universities and colleges to not only train students academically, but to also ensure and guide in their well-being.
For all psychiatric social workers working in the psychological health care system in the USA, the goal is treat the whole person, not just the affliction. For example, not only is it important to understand the why of the disease, but it is crucial for the social worker to help the individual function as a family member, employee, and productive member of society. All aspects of his/her life are examined, and the individual is provided a course of treatment to aid in all areas.
Psychiatric social workers may be required in cases of terminal illness for both the individual and his/her family. The effects of the illnesses may be too much to bear and often people need help to find the capacity to move forward. Acute illnesses, especially those fraught with pain are always troublesome, as many people can become addicted to prescription drugs. Indeed, there are many factors that psychologically impact individuals and their families.
Usually hospitals with psychiatric social workers see their mandates as assessing the psychological and social well-being of their patients, offering and providing therapy either singularly or by group (family members), offering support while in the hospital and after when the patients have been discharged, and to make the individuals aware of any and all services that might improve their quality of life.
Moreover, in earlier years, from 1932-1955, there existed the AAPSW (American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers). But in 1955, along with six other social work organizations, it was amalgamated into the NASW (National Association of Social Workers).
