A Guide to Capacities Building for of Social Workers in the Mental Field: A Generalist Practice Perspective

Abstract

     The study aimed to evaluate the current professional practices of social workers in the mental health field and identify the key challenges they encounter. It also sought to propose a framework for enhancing their professional based on the Generalist Practice Approach. Using descriptive research design, the study surveyed all 47 social workers employed at the Irada and Mental Health Complex in Riyadh through structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that most participants recognized the importance of their professional roles, which primarily involved helping families accept and care for patients, as well as clarifying the role of the social workers within the multidisciplinary treatment team. Despite this, several challenges were identified, including an insufficient number of social workers relative to the number of patients, as well as a lack of professional support and incentives.

Based on these findings, the study recommended developing a structured practice framework to enhance social workers’ competencies in the mental health field, increasing the number of social workers to meet the growing demand for mental health services, providing financial and professional incentives, and utilizing modern technology to establish a digital platform that facilitates communication among families, social workers, and healthcare professionals.

These recommendations aim to strengthen the role of social work in mental health services and improve the quality of care provided to patients and their families.