Psychiatric Social work seeks to enhance the social functioning of individuals, singly and in groups, by activities focused upon their social relationships which constitute the interaction between man and his environment.
Psychiatric social work has been described as “A new emphasis rather than a new function” representing in its origin a focusing of various influences which had brought about, on a part of social work, more attention to the mental or psychological factors in social maladjustment and on the part of psychiatry, increasing attention to the social needs of the patient.
The department following services are provided:
Clinical Services
Psychosocial assessment: Assessing strength and resilience of the patient and family
Psycho-education with patients/family members about the illness, treatment and rehabilitation.
Marital counselling / therapy / intervention services.
Therapy for individuals, couples and families: for situations in which patients suffer from poor mental health states (e.g. depression, anxiety), and coping and adjustment difficulties. (e.g. Substance abuse, loss of hearing, caring for family members suffering from Psychosis or grief and bereavement issues).
Risk assessment: Assessing risk of self-harm (e.g. suicide) and to others (e.g. family violence, elder abuse, child abuse).
• Information & Referral Services: Linking patients and caregivers to community resources and healthcare system.
Various awareness programs and community orientation programs are also organised at the community level.
Liaison services with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) for their outreach programs to spread awareness about mental health in the community.
