Social Workers’ Role in the Canadian Mental Health Care System

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley M. Towns ◽  
Karen Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Mental Health Care System ◽  
Community Health Survey ◽  
Care System

Objective: Using Canadian survey data this research provides social workers in Canada with a better understanding of their role in the Canadian mental health care system. Methods: By analyzing data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 1.2 Mental Health and Well-being, the role of social workers in the Canadian mental health system was determined. Results: Findings indicated that social workers were accessed third most frequently for mental health care. While a variety of individuals accessed care from social workers, those of different sexes, ages, education, and income levels did so at significantly different rates. Conclusion: Social workers should adjust services to include those less likely to access care who may benefit from it, while maintaining services for current clients.

scholarly journals Coping with Criticism and Embracing Change—Further Reflexions on the Debate on a Mental Health Care System without Coercion

Laws ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Sebastian von Peter ◽  
Martin Zinkler
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Police Custody ◽  
Judicial Control ◽  
Mental Health Care System ◽  
The Will ◽  
Alternative Scenarios ◽  
Care System

In August 2019, a manuscript was published in this journal that aimed at imagining a mental health care system that renounces the judicial control to better focus on the will and preferences of those who require support. Alternative scenarios for dealing with risk, inpatient care, and police custody were presented that elicited strong and emotionally laden reactions. This article adds further reflections to this debate, aiming at contributing explanations for this unsettlement. A productive notion of criticism is discussed, and ways to achieve change toward a more human rights-oriented psychiatric practice are outlined.

Mental health services for individuals at risk of suicide in Peru: Attitudes and perspectives of mental health professionals

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402094678
Author(s):  
Dana Alonzo ◽  
Dafne Aida Zapata Pratto
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Specialized Training ◽  
Mental Health Care System ◽  
Care System

Background: Mental Health professionals often have to deal with at-risk individuals in crises and lack specialized training on suicide risk assessment and intervention. This study examined mental health professionals’ attitudes toward at-risk individuals and their perceptions of the quality of training and treatment available for assessing and intervening with this population. Methods: A total of 32 mental health professionals (13 psychiatrists, 16 psychologists, 2 psychiatric nurses; 1 social assistant) from highly vulnerable communities in Lima, Peru discussed their perceptions in four focus groups conducted by the authors. Results: Participants reported glaring deficiencies in all areas explored including training, knowledge and skills regarding suicide assessment and management. In addition, using ground theory analysis, three domains of findings emerged representing barriers and facilitators of treatment engagement, risk and protective factors of suicide and pros and cons of the current mental health care system including micro-, mezzo- and macro-level factors. The most frequently identified barrier was the perception that suicide is illegal; facilitator was family involvement; risk factor was poor parenting; protective factor was religious beliefs; pro of mental health care system was establishment of community-based services and con of mental health care system was lack of access to psychiatrists. Conclusion: The lack of specialized training available in the institutions that are designed to prepare mental health professionals for working with at-risk individuals is notable and has a direct and known impact self-identified by helping professionals. The need and desire for targeted training is palpable and essential to address growing rates of suicide, particularly among youth, in Peru.

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