ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the frameworks for practice in early psychosis, describes some of the interventions that social workers may undertake in this context, considers some of the research occurring in this arena and, provides some resources for further study. In contemporary mental health services, including those specialising in early intervention, care is generally provided by multidisciplinary teams. Clinical mental health services traditionally work within the structure of a medical hierarchy and social workers can at times find this challenging. Early psychosis services exist in a variety of formats, some are specialist, stand-alone services while others are integrated with the broader mental health system. Recovery' has been described as 'a consistent unifying principle in contemporary mental health policies and services'. A systematic review published in the British Journal of Psychiatry provides an excellent explanation of recovery. Like many areas of social work practice, mental health practice is closely tied to a legislative framework.
