Understanding Mental Health Problems of Children and Adolescents: A Guide for Social Workers provides a practical guide for social workers on promoting positive mental health in youth from a system of care perspective. Social workers will gain an understanding of the scope of mental health issues in youth, along with definitions, etiology, and evidence-based treatments. The book emphasizes the importance of collaborating with youth and caregivers, addressing issues from a strengths and trauma-informed perspective, and cultural humility practice. A unique aspect of the book is the presentation of real-life case studies that allow the reader to apply the information in each section of the book. Each diagnosis is presented in two chapters. The first chapter discusses the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the biological aspects of the disorder, and its differential diagnoses followed by a case study applying the diagnostic criteria. The second chapter presents evidence-based treatments and medications. Information on how to access evidence-based treatments for each diagnosis is provided, followed by a discussion of the outcomes of the case studies from the previous chapter. The final chapters discuss the importance of collaborating with schools, mental health providers, child protective services, and others.
