Psychiatric social work services in family psychiatry unit: a NIMHANS experience

Involvement of the family members in the therapeutic interventions for the benefit of the client has been traditionally part of various social work interventions. Psychiatric social workers (PSWs) in the family psychiatry centre, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) conceptualise the case/problem referred to the unit as the resultant of the maladaptive family relationships and interactions. Interventions are carried out on the basis of standard procedures such as a comprehensive family assessment, framing a circular hypothesis, and a series of problem-solving initiatives directed at bringing about changes in the maladaptive family functioning. Apart from the therapeutic clinical services, preventive and promotive services are also done by PSWs at the centre. PSWs do teaching, trainings and research activities.