Intersection with Core Values
The lack of access to mental health treatment for mental health community members intersects with several core values in the NASW Code of Ethics. In general, the values concern social justice, service, and the dignity and worth of an individual.
First, the social worker must recognize the importance of social justice in their work with clients. Social workers should strive to advance the progress of individuals, communities, and their environments, as well as the welfare of society on all levels (National Association of Social Workers, 2021b). Social workers must foster living situations that support the satisfaction of basic human needs in addition to organizations and socioeconomic, political, and cultural values that support attaining social justice (Reisch, 2020).
Next, the value of service is crucial and is connected to the community members who struggle with mental health. Here, social workers must recognize their privilege while fighting against injustice and inequality, and offer support to those who are most vulnerable and have limited access to resources (National Association of Social Workers, 2021a). In other words, it is essential to understand the challenges experienced by clients.
Finally, while performing their duties, the values of human dignity and respect for clients’ worth are essential. Social work professionals should learn about inequality and discrimination related to racial or ethnic background, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, age, and other characteristics to demonstrate their understanding of these topics (National Association of Social Workers, 2021a). In this case, the same principles should be applied to those who struggle mentally (Martinez & Aguero, 2019). Thus, community members who experience mental health issues should receive equitable and just treatment.
Ethical Implications
A suitable setting for applying an empowerment-focused specialized approach to improve access to mental health care for individuals in the mental health community is a community mental health center. However, several ethical concerns arise from such a setting. First, it is crucial to note that social workers must respect their customers’ privacy rights (National Association of Social Workers, 2021a).
However, in specific circumstances, a breach of confidentiality may be necessary, especially when it concerns the physical and mental well-being of a client (Jenkins, 2021). For example, a client might express suicidal thoughts, and in such circumstances, it is the responsibility of the social worker to take further actions to protect the person. The recommendation for the social worker is to familiarize themselves with the organization’s policies and procedures and seek guidance if they are unsure about how to proceed.
Another issue concerns informed consent, which is essential in many fields involving relationships with clients. This point implies that social workers must obtain consent before providing services (National Association of Social Workers, 2021a). However, in some cases, individuals with acute mental health conditions cannot give consent (Cottone et al., 2021). In such a situation, the recommendation is to assess the individual’s mental capacity. In the context of full incapacity, the professional ought to collaborate with the legal guardian, which will still help work in the client’s best interests.
Finally, another ethical issue to be aware of is a conflict of interest. Social workers should not maintain more than one relationship with a client or former client because this increases the client’s risk of abuse or other potential damage (National Association of Social Workers, 2021a). Yet, considering that a small community can be involved, it can be challenging to avoid dual relationships since a professional might have a relationship with a client’s family member (Hepworth et al., 2022). Therefore, it is recommended to be transparent about the relationship and establish specific boundaries.
Moving Forward
Tackling the social justice problem of inadequate access to mental health services for the mental health community will demand a diverse and coordinated approach. To move forward, several recommendations should be outlined, including the necessity of advocacy, community-based interventions, and research.
First, social work professionals should ensure that they advocate for policies that could significantly improve the quality of life for members of the mental health community (Cox et al., 2021). Moreover, social workers must be able to offer community-based interventions to help individuals who struggle (López Levers, 2022). By incorporating interventions, it will be possible to address the unique needs of those with mental health issues (Gould, 2022).
Lastly, before, during, and after interventions, it is crucial to research what is effective and what other actions might be required. Such work can inform policy and practice in the field (Dziegielewski & Holliman, 2019). Overall, it can be seen that working with members of the community with mental health issues is a complex process that requires a holistic approach.
Conclusion
Hence, members of the mental health community not having access to therapy coincides with various NASW Code of Ethics tenets. In general, the principles are centered on social justice, giving back to the community, and a person’s worth and dignity. An empowerment-focused specialized practice could appropriately be established at a community mental health center to help address the lack of access to mental health services for members of the mental health community. An environment like this raises several ethical issues, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and informed consent. As a result, addressing the social justice issue of the mental health community’s limited access to mental health treatment would necessitate a diversified strategy.
References
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Dziegielewski, S. F., & Holliman, D. C. (2019). The changing face of health care social work: Opportunities and challenges for professional practice. Springer Publishing Company.
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Hepworth, D. H., Vang, P. D., Blakey, J. M., Schwalbe, C., & Evans, C. (2022). Empowerment series: Direct social work practice. Cengage Learning.
Jenkins, P. (2021). Client confidentiality and data protection. In J. Morrissey and R. Tribe (Eds.), The handbook of professional ethical and research practice for psychologists, counselors, psychotherapists and psychiatrists (pp.56-67). Taylor & Francis.
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Martinez, S., & Aguero, J. (2019). The Pope Francis’ philosophy and the social work values. In Robert E. McKinney, Jr., & Stephen M. Marson (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of social work ethics and values(pp. 304-311). Taylor & Francis.
National Association of Social Workers. (2021a). Social workers’ ethical responsibilities to clients.
National Association of Social Workers. (2021b). Social workers’ ethical responsibilities to the broader society.
Reisch, M. (2020). Social work ethics in a changing society. Cognella, Incorporated.