Date of Award

Winter 1-10-2001

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Clarice Staff

Second Advisor

Curt Paulsen

Third Advisor

Connie Mortensen-Long

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the possible barriers that social

workers encountered in both rural and urban regional mental

health treatment centers. Twenty-three social workers at four

regional treatment centers completed a questionnaire that was

used to determine perceived roles and decision-making processes

used by the respondents. Social workers evaluated and made

recommendations to improve the discharge process. Social workers

identified housing limitations, patient disagreement, waiting

lists, behavior problems, and lack of community services as

factors that limit patients from being discharged from regional

treatment centers. Social workers discussed the need for

community resources to be more accessible and the need for more

housing facilities to accept patients with difficult behaviors.

Systemic changes and implications of the findings for social

workers are examined.

Identifier

SC 11.MSW.2001.Goblirsc.KA.A

Included in

Social Work Commons

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