ABSTRACT
This article describes an empirical study designed to identify the unique role of the clinical social worker as a member of the hospital team in the treatment of young adult psychiatric inpatients. Fifty-five patients, their parents and social workers were interviewed at admission and 60 days later to ascertain: (1) initial attitudes and expectations regarding social work services, (2) specific services desired by clients, (3) actual services provided, and (4) helpfulness of the services. Results indicated that the services most frequently desired were those most often provided. These included providing information to families about patients’ progress, helping families deal with hospital procedures and helping with aftercare planning. Most services provided were viewed as helpful. Social workers were seen as more helpful to families than to patients and more so by parents than by patients. Clients who felt the social worker understood their needs and was available when needed, felt he/she was more helpful to them. The implications of these findings for definition of the social worker’s role are discussed.
