Publisher's Synopsis
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Social Work Practice will help clinical social workers not only develop competence in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) system of diagnosis, it will also assist them in staying attuned during client assessment to social work values and principles - a focus on client strengths, concern for the worth and dignity of individuals, appreciation of environmental influences on behavior, and a reliance on evidence-based approaches. This tightly focused textbook provides an in-depth exploration of the major mental disorders that social workers commonly see in practice and integrates several perspectives in order to meet the challenges social workers face in client assessment. A risk and resilience framework aids the social worker in understanding environmental influences on the emergence of mental disorders and the strengths that may be present in client situations. Social workers will also learn to be critical of the DSM when it is inconsistent with social work values and principles. Finally, Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Social Work Practice imparts evidence-based assessment instruments and treatments so that social workers can intervene efficiently and effectively, using the best knowledge available.
