Mental Health in Social Work A Casebook on Diagnosis and Strengths Based Assessment

Learn essential clinical assessment skills for working in the mental health field using a case-based approach
Mental Health in Social Work: A Casebook on Diagnosis and Strengths-Based Assessment emphasizes gaining competency in the DSM-5 diagnoses of mental disorders that are commonly seen in clinical and social service settings. Using a case-based approach, students and professionals learn to understand clients holistically as they proceed with the assessment and intervention process.  

The 3rd Edition includes new chapters on obsessive-compulsive disorder (Ch. 9), post-traumatic stress disorder (Ch.10), and gender dysphoria (Ch. 14) It also includes additional content on socially diverse  populations throughout the text, and new “Questions to Consider” for making a DSM diagnosis are included with each case study.

Jacqueline Corcoran, Ph.D., LCSW, is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Practice and Policy. She has published 16 books and 100 book chapters and articles on topics involving mental health and evidence-based practice.

Joseph Walsh, Ph.D., LCSW, is a professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he held a full-time position in the School of Social Work from 1993-2008. Joe taught courses in the areas of research, human behavior, and social work practice, and his own research and practice, while broad, focused primarily on clients with severe mental disorders. He published many articles and books over the years and is currently a part-time clinical social worker at Richmond Creative Counseling. Joe has also served on the Virginia Board of Social Work since 2012.

PART ONE: ASSESSMENT 1. Diagnosis and the Social Work Profession
2. Biopsychosocial Risk and Resilience and Strengths Assessment
PART TWO: DSM–5 CATEGORIES
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder
4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
5. Schizophrenia
6. Bipolar Disorder
7. Major Depressive Disorder
8. The Anxiety Disorders
9. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
10. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
11. Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder
12. Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder
13. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
14. Gender Dysphoria
15. Alzheimer’s Disease
16. Borderline Personality Disorder

Appendix A: Template for Preparing Diagnosis for Chapter Case Study
Appendix B: Suggested Answers to “Questions to Consider”
Appendix C: Directions and Template for “Reflect and Reply” Cases