Social workers in the mental health field assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse issues through therapies, case management, and prevention/education efforts. Concentrations include suicide prevention, especially for adolescents and youth, where suicide is a leading cause of death. Risk factors for suicide ideation include depression, low self-esteem, and lack of support systems. The author wishes to work on a macro-level in areas like policy, advocacy, research, and legislation to help at-risk groups like LGBT youth who are disproportionately impacted by suicide risks.

1. Social Work & Mental Health By: Rene Melara

2. Social Work in the Mental Health Field Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.Sample of reported job titles: Social Worker, Case Manager, Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Therapist, Clinician, Mental Health Therapist, Psychotherapist, Community Support Worker, Counselor, Probation Agent

3. Concentration in the Mental Health FieldSuicide Prevention: Suicide is a major and preventable public health issue/crisis. In the U.S. , suicide accounted for 33,300 deaths. Every 16 minutes, someone takes their own life.

4. Concentration in Suicide PreventionAdolescents and Youth (13-24): Suicide is one of the top three causes of death among 15 to 24-year-olds; only accidents and homicide occur more frequently (2006 National Adolescent Health Information).Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students (2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).For every completed suicide by a young person, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made (2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey).

5. CausesThere are a vast array of risk factors or causes that can contribute to suicidal ideation. In my research, this became one of my main focuses: In an article titled “Differential Effects of Support Providers on Adolescents’ Mental Health”, authors Lisa G. Colarossi and Jacquelynne S. Eccles, claim, “adolescence is a period of increased vulnerability to mental health difficulties… of these difficulties, depressed mood and low self-esteem occur with disproportionately high prevalence” (2003).

6. Work Being Done CurrentlyIn America alone, it’s estimated that 19 million people live with depression, and suicide is the third-leading cause of death among those 18-24 years old.

7. My Role as a Social WorkerIt’s very easy to visualize a career as a social worker in the mental health field on a micro-level. However, I wish to work on a macro-level, being involved with work dealing with policy, advocacy, research, evaluation, legislation, supervision, etc. Career in the non-profit sector, higher-education system, or government/politics. MSW, MPH (?)

8. H.R. 2262: Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2009The Safe Schools Improvement Act will strengthen the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act to ensure that:Schools and districts have comprehensive and effective student conduct policies that include clear prohibitions regarding bullying and harassmentSchools and districts focus on effective prevention strategies and professional development designed to help school personnel meaningfully address issues associated with bullying and harassmentStates and districts maintain and report data regarding incidents of bullying and harassment in order to inform the development of effective federal, state, and local policies that address these issues.

9. Interview 1June Dowell-Burton, MSWServed as the Founder and Executive Director of Newark-Essex Pride Coalition. Developed and implemented new marketing strategies and programs to ensure the growth and stability of the organization.Advocated on the local and state level in support of LGBT issues.Questions to be asked/ Topics to be discussed: Is it difficult to start and run a non-profit organization?How did receiving an MSW help with the responsibilities as Executive Director of Newark-Essex Pride Coalition?Working with government on local and state level. Reaching out to an at-risk group.

10. Interview 2NoelinaArciniegas, LMSW, MPHAssociate Program Director at NAMI – NYC MetroOversees outreach efforts in the community, coordinates programs and workshops, and oversees multicultural initiatives. Supervises social work interns.Questions to be asked / Topics to be discussed: What is like to be directly involved and responsible for programs offered by a mental health organization?How has licensure and a MPH helped you with your responsibilities? Is there ever a desire to work on a micro-level with clients?

11. The Trevor ProjectLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (Massachusetts 2006 Youth Risk Survey).