A core textbook for those taking post-qualifying courses in mental health social work and those training to become Approved Mental Health Professionals. Each chapter is mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Social Work.

Social workers and other professionals working in the area of mental health often face complex and difficult practice dilemmas shaped by increasingly demanding policy and legal contexts across the UK.

Jim Campbell and Gavin Davidson focus on the post-qualifying role played by mental health social workers in this book. The authors draw on theoretical and research perspectives on the subject, before outlining how professionals can achieve best practice.

Topics covered include:

" Models of mental health and illness

" Discrimination and social exclusion

" Addressing service user needs

" Carer perspectives

" Working with individuals, families and communities

The chapters are accompanied by exercises, which encourage readers to critically reflect on their own professional and personal experiences. Case studies are also included, so that students can reappraise the knowledge they have learned in the text.

The book will be essential reading for social work practitioners taking postgraduate courses in mental health and for those training to become Approved Mental Health Professionals.