SW 615 - Social Work in Behavioral Health

As defined by SAMHSA (2011), behavioral health is a “state of mental/emotional being and/or choices and actions that affect wellness.” However, more specifically related to this course, behavioral health is a term which addresses issues in mental health, substance use, and addictions. The concept of behavioral health encompasses a continuum of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services. As the largest group of providers of mental health services, social workers comprise 60% or more of the mental health workforce (National Association of Social Workers, 2000). Social Work in Behavioral Health will provide the historical and political context of behavioral health and mental health care. The impact of substance use, gambling and eating disorders on individuals, families and communities will be explored. Lifespan issues that inform work with older adults and families and hospice policies and practices will be introduced. Students will identify the local, state, national and global policies that impact service participants and practice advocating for policy changes to promote improvements of the well-being of individuals, families, organizations and communities. The multidisciplinary nature of behavioral health practices will emphasize the need for social workers to develop collegial skills and practice effective ethical teamwork with psychiatrists, substance use professionals, nurses and physicians to name a few. The medical model, especially as it relates to diagnosing mental disorders and substance use, will be juxtaposed with the strengths perspective as students develop their conceptual framework for professional social work practice. This course assesses Social Work EPAS competencies 3, 5, 7, 8.
Credits: 3