Strategies used in social work to help a client’s mental health

Social workers play a crucial role in improving the well-being and mental health of people across the US. Working alone or as part of a multi-agency team, they help to transform their clients’ lives by conducting assessments, arranging treatments and monitoring progress. At each stage, social workers negotiate for services that could help the client and act as their advocate when navigating these negotiations. Social work gives people the best possible chance of overcoming their behavioral and emotional issues — it mitigates the risk of an immediate crisis and offers hope for a better quality of life.

How the helping process begins

When social workers first meet a client, they will focus on the most pressing concern. This might be guiding the person through a mental health crisis, helping them cope with trauma or tackle substance abuse. In later meetings, they will strive to empower the client, giving them the support and resources they need to improve their health and live happier lives. 

The link between mental health, trauma and substance abuse

Research has shown that people who have experienced trauma as a child or as an adult often find that their life is impacted hugely. They may develop feelings of social anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress, or they could turn to substance misuse. Without the right help at the right time, many people who have gone through trauma can use either alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with symptoms such as lack of sleep, fear and shame. In these instances, a social worker will help their client to connect their past trauma and the issues they are currently facing.

What educational path do social workers follow?

Social workers are trained to provide trauma-informed care to clients from all walks of life. Their work supports people who want to turn their lives around and move on from a place of suffering. It is not an easy vocation, but the ability to help those in need and transform communities is incredibly gratifying.

People interested in social work may have considered, what is a BSW degree and is this degree the right path to choose. This first degree is a good entry point into the profession; however, at Cleveland State University, the Master of Social Work degree is open to people with a bachelor’s degree in any field. This advanced qualification combines expert tuition with practical field placements and is an excellent basis for this rewarding career.

How does social work address mental health issues?

Mental health and substance abuse social workers are specialists in delivering aid to people who are experiencing a range of problems. They are ready to guide their clients through each stage of the recovery process and will help them to cope with any subsequent issues independently. Frequently, their work is complicated by the fact that their clients may have been experiencing problems for many years without professional help. They could have unhealthy coping strategies, which social workers will encourage them to reduce, before focusing on the symptoms that are triggering their response.

Establishing a program of practical help

Once they have spoken to the client about their history of mental illness, trauma and/or substance abuse, the social worker will join forces with them to establish a practical plan of treatment. This usually includes an element of education for the client, who may need guidance on managing certain areas of their lives, such as housing, employment and relationships. 

Practitioners can advise clients to have a course of professional counseling if that would be useful in building their resilience and medical treatment to help them get well. Once this has been discussed and agreed, the social worker will coordinate the care package in a way that fits in with their client’s responsibilities. They will also check in regularly to see what progress has been made and ensure the client still has access to every service they need.

Using empathy to build trust

Social workers need to win the trust of their clients in order to get the ball rolling and ensure that clients are on board with the course of therapy they have in mind. This is done through considerate and sensitive conversations. These help a client to understand how their past is influencing their current behavior and how healthier coping mechanisms could be a catalyst for positive change.

Forming a bond with clients

Clients often need to use a range of services as part of their recovery process — these are the tools they will use to achieve their end goals. To ensure they make full use of these needed treatments, a social worker will remove any barriers to their regular attendance. Primarily, the management plan will include resources that are close to the client, so they do not struggle to get to appointments. However, social workers will also discuss the value of these interventions and the expectations they have for the client. This shows they care about the client’s success and are ready to support them in the long term.

Offering direct therapy sessions

Licensed clinical social workers can provide therapy sessions to their clients offering insight into any undiagnosed mental health disorders. Working on a one-to-one basis, they will spend time analyzing the client’s situation with them and then seek ways to move on. The practitioner might need to gently challenge some of the ways their client thinks about their life, then set a series of goals for the future. These could include attending appointments, maintaining good relationships with friends and family, and eating healthily.

Encouraging people to be active participants in society

Through advocating for their clients, offering therapy and giving support, social workers help people in need to manage their lives more successfully. Their endeavors provide people with mental health problems, trauma and addictions the means to live a fuller, more independent life. In doing so, they improve the person’s ability to participate in their personal network, community and society in a healthy, happy manner.