THE EXPERIENCES OF SOCIAL WORKERS PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY IN TSHWANE, SOUTH AFRICA

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15270/59-4-1173

Keywords:

experiences, mental health, mental health services, mental healtcare user, social worker

Abstract

South Africa presents a high prevalence of mental health problems, with one in six South Africans being diagnosed with anxiety, depression and substance-use problems (excluding more severe conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia). The incidence of mental health problems is ranked third after HIV and other infectious diseases in determining the disease burden. Social workers are key professionals in rendering interventions and services aimed at treating persons with mental health problems. In this qualitative study, ten purposively sampled social workers providing mental health services at a mental health facility in Tshwane, South Africa were interviewed. The thematic analysis generated seven themes, four of which are discussed. The findings reveal that social workers are adequately capacitated to provide mental health services and are one of the key mental health service providers. Recommendations for practice are provided.

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Author Biographies

Lehlogonolo Kwena Poopedi, University of Pretoria

University of Pretoria, Department of Social Work and Criminology, Pretoria

Nontembeko Joyce Bila, University of Pretoria

University of Pretoria, Department of Social Work and Criminology, Pretoria

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Published

2023-12-04

How to Cite

Poopedi, L. K. ., & Bila, N. J. . (2023). THE EXPERIENCES OF SOCIAL WORKERS PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY IN TSHWANE, SOUTH AFRICA. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 59(4), 357–377. https://doi.org/10.15270/59-4-1173

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Articles