Behavioral Health Practice Tools

Since 1979, Healthy People has functioned as the public health roadmap for the nation. A comprehensive set of national 10-year health objectives, Healthy People serves as a foundation for prevention and wellness activities for the federal government, states and communities, as well as many public and private sector agencies and organizations throughout the U.S. A fluid document that has evolved as the nation’s public health priorities have changed, Healthy People undergoes an extensive stakeholder feedback process with each new iteration.

The Alzheimer’s Association has issued the 2008 Guideline for Alzheimer’s Disease Management, available free of charge. This convenient two-page guide addresses assessment, treatment, patient and family education and support, legal considerations, and recommendations for early- and late-stage disease from both medical and psychosocial perspectives.

NASW is pleased to announce the release of the Case Management Caseload Concept Paper, jointly published with the Case Management Society of America (CMSA). This paper--which represents the culmination of nearly two years of work by NASW, CMSA, and other members of the Caseload Work Group--includes an updated version of the Caseload Matrix and provides the foundation from which a calculator to determine appropriate caseload size and case mix for case managers working in health, behavioral health, and workers' compensation settings can be developed.

There is a strong movement in the mental health field to advance the understanding and recognition that “recovery” is a real and attainable goal for consumers of mental health services.  Social Work Speaks states that the mental health system of care should have, “an emphasis on empowerment and recovery” (Social Work Speaks, 7th ed., 2006, p. 272). 

The mental health Recovery Model is a treatment concept wherein a service environment is designed such that consumers have primary control over decisions about their own care.  This is in contrast to most traditional models of service delivery, in which consumers are instructed what to do, or simply have things done for them with minimal, if any, consultation for their opinions.

Two previous “Snapshot” articles raised questions and topics for discussion about the increasing number of consumers joining the ranks of employees in the mental health field.  As we contemplate questions about confidential information and boundary issues, we need to also look at the potential benefits of consumers obtaining proper training and joining the workplace as providers.