Social Workers in Mental Health Facilities and Outpatient Clinics Essa

When thinking about social work, there are different avenues that a worker can explore in this vast field. Because a social workers job is multifaceted, workers can not only integrate themselves in an already created avenue, but can also tailor a field, specifically for a need in the community. Looking at the many different fields in the area of social work, the area of Social Workers in Mental Health facilities and outpatient clinics stands out as an area of depth and interest. This field is important because it allows social workers to play an integral part in assisting patients, some of who have been kept in large inpatient facilities for vast periods of time, to become functioning and active members of society, as they deal with the task of managing their particular mental illness. It is stated on the NASW occupation profile that "Social workers employed with mental health clinics can have a range of job functions depending on their specific roles. Possible job titles include, but are not limited to, clinical social worker, licensed clinical social worker, mental health specialist, clinician, therapist, counselor, director or case manager (NASW p.2)." In 1963, The Community Mental Health Act came into existence. This act was created to provide federal funding for community mental health centers in the United States. The CMHA gave money to states, in order for them to create local mental health centers. These health centers would be spearheaded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The purpose of the CMHA was to provide community-based care, as an alternative to institutionalization, which previously was the most popular and expensive answer to assisting those with mental illness. These different clinics and faci... ...se, and to learn how to utilize non traditional methods to achieve a therapeutic accomplishment with patients. The educational requirements to work in this particular field are geared to not only be a help to patients struggling with adjusting, but a therapeutic help as well. Social workers of course have to obtain a bachelor's degree, as well as meet any state certifications necessary. Many social workers also obtain a master's degree, in order to become licensed counselors, which can be essential when dealing in this field. Works Cited Kim, H., Ji, J., & Kao, D. (2011). Burnout and Physical Health among Social Workers: A Three-Year Longitudinal Study. Social Work, 56(3), 258-268. Gibelman, M. (2005). What social workers do. (2ndEdition). Washington, DC: NASW Press. http://workforce.socialworkers.org/studies/profiles/Mental%20Health%20Clinics.pdf