Social Workers in Community Mental Health Agencies
Social workers in community mental health agencies provide services to children and families. The services available will vary from one agency to another, but common services are psychosocial groups, respite care, counseling/therapy, and case management.
Social workers may lead psychosocial groups for children and youth. A Psychosocial Group is a group made up of children or adolescents along with mental health staff. The staff members guide activities to work on social skills, teach problem-solving skills, and identify personal strengths, interests, and abilities. These groups are often available at Community Mental Health Centers.
Social workers may help families get respite care. Respite care is a service that gives parents or other caregivers a break from taking care of a child with a disability.
Social workers provide counseling/therapy at mental health centers. There are several kinds of therapy including individual therapy, family therapy, home based family therapy, behavior therapy, or group therapy.
Individual — Individual therapy involves a person meeting with a clinical social worker to talk about concerns. You may want to see a social worker for therapy, or your child with the disability may see a social worker.
Family Therapy — Family Therapy is a type of therapy that involves members of a family. Family members may not all be present, but the social worker views the individuals as members of a family and explores issues within the context of the family. You may want to go to therapy as a family to work on things that concern your family.
Home Based Family Therapy — Some families receive home based family therapy (HBFT). If you receive HBFT, a social worker will come to your home to help you work on things like parenting, solving family conflicts, or communicating better. Generally, people receive home based services to prevent hospitalization or out-of-home placement and create an ongoing community support system.
Behavior Therapy — If your family member has problem behaviors, you may want him or her to receive behavior therapy. Behavior Therapy focuses on stopping unwanted behaviors or improving a desired behavior. It is based on a belief that behaviors are learned and can be unlearned.
Group Therapy — Group therapy involves several clients or consumers meeting together with a social worker to explore similar issues.
Social workers often provide case management services in mental health agencies. A case manager may help you find the right services for your child and help you keep track of services that your child receives.