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This paper presents findings of a phenomenological study entitled: Healing from Recurrent Suicide Attempts: The Impact of Being a Peer Facilitator. The study examined the impact of being a peer facilitator (PF) in the Skills for Safer Living: A Psychosocial/Psychoeducational Intervention for People with Recurrent Suicide Attempts (SfSL/PISA) group on the PFs' healing journey. Using eight semi-structured interviews, the study privileged the lived experience of participants. The results identified four themes in survivors' healing: new identity formation, navigating stigma, developing agency in the activation of personhood, and achieving personal mastery: skills and competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathways to employment are typically interrupted by first-episode psychosis (FEP) which strikes during the developmentally critical time of young adulthood. This paper reports on the key moments and messages that influenced the developing employment, education, or disability trajectories of young adults in the years following completion of Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for FEP. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with young adults with both lived experience of a FEP and a CSC program, from a critical case sample of 10 persons who were involved in an advocacy group. Results indicate that family support and expectations, disability narratives from mental health professionals, the realities of the modern labor market, and university disability support strongly influenced the pathway to employment, education, or disability, and that these were influenced by multiple structural realities such as family SES, disability policies, and treatment ideology, and the capacity of the labor market and universities. This paper concludes that CSC services should create a unified plan to address the structural barriers that challenge those from marginalized families, reevaluate traditional disability ideology in mental health treatment, and better support new pathways to secure employment and education for all young adults with FEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings of a study that explored the challenges and coping strategies of parents of children with mental disorders. In-depth interviews were conducted with 35 parents of children with mental disorders at the Psychiatric Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicated that financial constraints, inability to secure permanent employment, and stigma were the challenges of the parents. Having faith in God and accepting their children's condition were the coping strategies adopted by the parents. However, lack of effective support system makes coping difficult for the parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated Black women’s experiences of colorism. The authors introduce a new framework, “colorist microaggressions”, which highlight the microaggressions experienced by Black women. The results indicate that colorist microaggressions impacted the social, relational, emotional, and relational aspects of Black women’s lives and their well-being. The results also showed that like racial microaggressions, the “colorist microaggressions” that Black women encountered in their community, family, and in society, were pervasive. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for social work research, education, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the profession of social work there is an enduring discourse about the integration of practice and research, with academic researchers perennially expressing a concern about practitioners inadequately incorporating evidenced-based research into practice. This article, based on a paper presented at the Third International Conference on Practice Research, positions practice-based research as common ground between the at-times adversarial positions of practitioners and academic researchers. It first describes a practice-based study that both advanced social work knowledge in general and contributed to improving practice specifically. Citing examples from the study, the article then explores an evolving definition of practice research and illustrates several factors that facilitate or impede a practitioner initiating and conducting research within a practice setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to identify the challenges and prospects of distance education for adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main research method was the survey. Teenagers, parents and teachers were interviewed (330 people). One of the leaders of the study was a representative of the Technical Institute of NEFU in Neryungri. The results of the study made it possible to identify and analyze the main inconveniences of distance learning that young people suffered from. The following difficulties were identified: different teaching approaches (48.2%), lack of technical devices (7.6%), an increase in the number of homework assignments (86%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advances in human rights and treatments, stigma toward individuals diagnosed with mental illness is common across the African continent. This article explores experiences of stigma and social exclusion among individuals diagnosed with mental illness and receiving treatment in a psychiatric facility in Ghana. The study, based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews generated the following themes: beliefs in spiritual causes of mental illness; spirituality as a coping mechanism; mistreatment and abuse. The findings highlight the significance of social exclusion and spirituality as the main roots of stigma; also the importance of awareness-raising as tools for anti-stigma work in the global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social work programs need to prepare students for practice in assessing mental health, addictions, and suicide risk assessment. In response to a call for increased training, we partnered with community social workers and re-designed a course on social work practice in mental health using a flipped classroom approach. We conducted a qualitative study using focus groups and individual interviews with MSW students (N = 15) to explore student perspectives on re-designed teaching approaches. Participants identified three teaching methods that increased knowledge, skills, and self-awareness: online educational modules, simulation, and integrated teaching with scaffolded learning. We discuss implications for social work education and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health issues among young people have received increasing attention in Norway as more are diagnosed with and report mental health problems. In this study, we focus on the personal and social recovery processes of young people with mental health difficulties. The aim of the study was to explore how young people and parents experience collaboration with a community-based mental health outreach team around recovery processes, using a narrative analysis. Three topics from the findings are discussed: relationships and collaborations built on the service user's goals, closeness and distance in professional helping relationships, and comprehension of professionalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mixed-method study explored how early childhood clinicians integrate play therapy into early childhood mental health treatment services with high-risk preschool children (ages 3 to 6 years) and their families, and its influence on parent involvement and the clinician–parent relationship. Interviews with parents and clinicians identified a parallel process with five distinctive phases of the integrative treatment process, all of which heightened parental involvement during home visits. Central to this integrative process was a supportive clinician–parent relationship that influenced parental confidence, empowerment, and ability to advocate for their child to friends and family, which led to improved familial understanding of child emotions and behaviors, natural supports and fewer feelings of social isolation. Interview data were triangulated and results identified specific play therapy interventions and significant relationships between play and other early childhood mental health interventions, which represent a possible need for specialized techniques and clinical trainings specific to this population. Further discussion of the integrative process along with clinical and research implications and needs are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Community needs assessments (CNAs) assess services that residents need and the programs and policies that can address these needs. Recent CNAs have identified a high demand for behavioral health services. A case example is Hillsborough County, FL and this specific need has had significant impacts on local programs and policies. Methods: A 2018 social services mixed methods CNA of eight socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods revealed details on social determinant factors driving the need for behavioral health services. Results: Survey data illustrated several barriers and challenges to meeting the local needs. Residents report an inability to access necessary mental health services. Community listening sessions provided themes on how behavioral health disorders have made life difficult for lower-income residents. Discussion: The community-based participatory process of this CNA drew out important themes on social service needs that, when unmet, are contributing to and compounding, the mental health challenges and needs for services in lower-income communities. Conclusions: Various policy and program factors emerge from this case example based on the methodology used and serves as an exemplary model where academia and government agency collaboration can extract new insights that support government policy innovation to meet local mental health service needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mixed-methods pilot investigation evaluated the use of virtual patient simulations for increasing self-efficacy and diagnostic accuracy for common behavioral health concerns within an integrated care setting. A two-by-three factorial design was employed to evaluate three different simulated training conditions with a sample of 22 Masters level behavioral health students. Results support engagement in virtual patient simulation training to increase students' self-efficacy in brief clinical assessment, and support the use of virtual patient simulations to improve diagnostic accuracy. Results further indicate that virtual patient simulations have sufficient levels of usability and acceptability as a tool for developing brief clinical interviewing skills, and that participants found this method of instruction to be a valuable adjunct to traditional classroom or field based training. Future directions and next steps for the integration of technology enhanced simulations in clinical social services education are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health as a state of wellbeing is beyond not having a mental disorder. An important aspect of mental health is positive mental health (PMH), but still little is known on its determinants, especially in less developed countries. In this regard, the relations of positive mental health with social capital and socioeconomic status (SES) as two main social factors were investigated on 250 adults of Tehran. The PMH score was moderate (PMH = 44.4), subjective dimension of SES and three dimensions of bonding social capital including trust, empathy, and participation explained 44% of the PMH variations. It seems necessary for policymakers and experts who work in the mental health field to pay more attention to social predictors of PMH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to investigate the importance of family care in mental health and identify the shortcomings of the Spanish model of health care for the mentally ill. The empirical process comprised three qualitative procedures involving 37 experts from different regions of Spain. In order to guarantee the rigor of the data, a social worker discussion group was set up to create an interview script. Interviews were then carried out with 22 professionals who take care of people with mental illness in various public facilities throughout the country. A second focal group met three times to validate the categorizations analyzed in the interviews. The results of the empirical process indicate a need to remodel the mental health care system, which can be described with reference to five critical characteristics: 1) a lack of financial and human resources for mental health, 2) a lack of effective coordination among all the institutions and authorities involved, 3) a lack of quality resources aimed at rehabilitation and social reintegration as alternatives to institutionalization, 4) a lack of integrated care, and 5) a lack of a common healthcare framework for all professional workers in all the regions. A remodeling of the system is necessary to enable the rehabilitation, recovery, empowerment and development of people with SMD and thus ease the burden and improve the quality of life of family caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hope is a pivotal part of recovery in a broad range of health conditions, including those relating to the field of mental health and substance abuse. People who experience co-occurring mental health and substance-use problems are often bound to use services that are not suited to their needs. In this study, our aim is to explore how service users experience barriers to help and assistance, and to determine the manner by which these barriers may influence their experiences of hope. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with nine participants, and these were analyzed using a thematic approach. This analysis produced the following three overarching themes: "battles with bureaucracy"; "distance, disempowerment, and de-individualization"; and "no clean slates." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A focused ethnography aimed to understand organizational dynamics affecting a state-funded pilot peer-operated respite in the Southwest region of the United States of America. Findings from 8 interviews with program directors and peer staff (N = 12), 2 focus group discussions with peer staff (N = 8), and field notes from 198 hours of participant observation indicated that staff experienced many organizational demands from the traditional public mental health system and different imperatives associated with the peer respite model as an emergent strategy. Within a context of resource scarcity and a lack of integrated social services, organizational issues related to program sustainability, peer staff accommodation, and peer staff's confusion regarding the program's intent became evident. Findings identified a gap in the literature regarding the peer respite model's approach to hosting guests experiencing homelessness and confirmed other research on peer labor that indicates further systemic support is needed to improve work conditions. Implications of these findings and the organizational limits of a peer respite within resource-poor environments are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Strengths Model for case management has demonstrated success with adults, and has recently been adapted and piloted for youths aged 12-18 in a community mental health center in a Midwestern state. For this qualitative study, researchers interviewed case managers to elicit their insight about how the model impacted their work with youth and youth outcomes. Qualitative analysis yielded themes and subthemes, organized into three categories: Model components, intermediate impact, and longterm impact. Results indicate overall success and satisfaction with the model, and improvements for both the case managers and youth. Implications for further research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-directed care (SDC) is a service delivery model in which individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) direct their behavioral healthcare by managing an individual budget and purchasing the goods and services they deem most helpful in meeting their needs and supporting their recovery. Participants may purchase conventional mental health services as well as alternative goods (e.g., books, clothing) and services (e.g., fitness classes) to support their recovery. Several quantitative studies have examined the types of purchases commonly made by SDC participants. This qualitative study builds on this research by reporting findings from interviews with 18 SDC participants on the factors that influence their purchasing decisions, the benefits derived from SDC purchases, and perceived barriers experienced in making desired purchases. Findings reveal the extent to which money matters in mental health recovery and suggest that individualized budgeting and purchasing contribute to SDC participants' mental wellness and stability, enhance their control over service choices, and, most notably, provide some material relief in ongoing struggles with chronic poverty. Findings also highlight the importance of flexible spending guidelines and streamlined approval processes; overly proscriptive policies may undermine participants' self-determination. Additional implications for SDC practice, policy, and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge facing the mental health field today is the lack of knowledge related to interventions and services that will help people recover from severe mental health problems. In addition, the reluctance of social workers to embrace the recovery-oriented mental health practice is attributed to their lack of knowledge. Hence, they regard recovery in mental health as misleading and unrealistic.The article provides the findings on the social workers' lack of knowledge and understanding of the recovery-oriented mental health practice. The social workers are based in non-governmental organizations in Tshwane, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from social workers. Findings confirmed the lack of knowledge regarding the recovery-oriented approach, which has not yet been implemented in South Africa. Mental health services continue to be informed by the traditional medical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight-to-ten percent of returning combat veterans report symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), of which 7-13% also report symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder. Both disorders are characterized by maladaptive patterns of social functioning, which can have significant effects on the lives of returning combat veterans and increase suicidal risk. The objective of the present study was to identify elements of the lived experience of college student veterans experiencing social anxiety and avoidance. Twelve student veterans with post-9/11 active duty service were interviewed about their lived experiences with social anxiety/avoidance within the framework of phenomenological theory. Data was analyzed using multilevel coding and theme analysis. Analysis of interview themes (n = 12) clarified university campus environments that induce social anxiety/avoidance and the impact on personal and professional relationships, learning, and navigation of physical space. Implications of this study include addressing student veterans' needs through clinical intervention and further representative research on prevalence rates of these risk factors in various university and community college settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is considered an evidence-based service model, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of an adaptation of the model, Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT), for persons with serious mental illness who also have significant criminal justice system involvement. Using a multimethod approach, this article combines quantitative and qualitative data to review baseline information and nine-month follow-up recidivism, hospitalization, and housing outcomes for individuals enrolled in a FACT program. Findings suggest substance use, housing, and FACT team members’ support played an important role in clients’ prison reentry experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We used a mixed-methods convergent parallel design to explore the effect of yoga on quality of life, trauma, and anxiety in low-income adults with mental illness. Participants included a convenience sample (N= 18) of parents at a community mental health agency who participated in a six-week yoga intervention. Participants completed standardized measures of quality of life, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) pre- and post-intervention. Focus groups were conducted to further explore barriers to and the effects of participation in the yoga intervention. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Tests indicated a statistically significant decrease in anxiety and PTSD after the yoga intervention, but no significant changes in quality of life or trait anxiety. Qualitative results reveal five themes related to participation in yoga classes, including barriers to participation and ways to improve the class. Qualitative results corroborate quantitative findings, suggesting improved relaxation and anger management for participants who strongly endorsed the benefits they experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 African American men with serious mental illness who were consumers of community mental health services and 26 members of their social support networks. All participants were asked what they believed had caused the consumers’ mental illness. Consumer participants most commonly identified chronic life stressors as a causal factor, while social supports most often identified intrinsic factors such as genetics or biology as causes of mental illness. Some support participants believed that unintentional drug use had precipitated the onset of mental illness or had no causal theories. The fact that some support participants could not identify a causal explanation may indicate failure on the part of mental health care systems to engage with consumers’ social support networks and provide education about mental illness and its causes. The implications of etiology beliefs on mental health service utilization are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This Internet-based study surveys views of social work educators on the use of the classification system known as theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM), a publication of the American Psychiatric Association, as a component of the social work mental health curriculum. With reference to the primacy of the profession in mental health services, the transition to a new edition ofDSM (DSM-5), and the absence of social work representation on theDSM-5Task Force, social work educators (319) were asked about their overall views of theDSMsystem and the positioning ofDSMin the curriculum of their own universities. Educators—the majority of whom have clinical (81%) and/or teaching (53%) experience using editions previous toDSM-5—revealed a combination of caution and positive regard for theDSM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The importance of understanding the participant experience of engaging in research has great meaning for researchers. This article explores and describes the face-to-face research experience from the perspective of individuals living with a schizophrenic disorder who had previously participated in research. A mixed-method, concurrent triangulation design with 36 participants resulted in three central themes: a similarity of the research experience; the meanings made from interactions with the researcher; and participant motivations for engaging in research. Participation in research may be viewed by marginalized individuals as a unique opportunity to be respected, heard, valued, and financially compensated for their opinions. Findings provide ethical, practical, and educational perspectives for the social work profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on findings from a mixed-methods New Zealand study of young people’s experience of service use. It focuses on young people’s experiences with mental health services. The youth (aged 13 to 17) were multiple users of statutory and nongovernmental services: mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, and remedial education. The research explored their life experiences including exposure to harmful events and environments (such as abuse and neglect, violence, and substance abuse) and of particular interest was how services contributed to better outcomes for this vulnerable group of young people. This article explores the components of mental health services that contribute to effective practice. It underlines the key role for services in supporting young people to seek out resources that have the potential to enhance their health and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]