So er... this is a bit of an uncomfortable topic, but I was wondering if anyone here could point me in the right direction. Basically a family member is having some... issues and someone suggested to me today that calling a social worker might be a good idea. I'm not entirely convinced it will be, but not having any firsthand knowledge of this sort of thing I don't really know what exactly that would entail. Heck, I'm not even sure if this is the sort of thing that social workers generally deal with. So does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing or can anyone link me to some appropriate reading material? I know this isn't really the best venue for asking about this sort of thing, but I thought it couldn't hurt.
Social Workers
- Thread starter Arrqh
- Start date
Not knowing what the "issue" is, I can't say for sure.
If your family member is beating his/her kids, or being abused by a spouse, or needs counseling for emotional problems, then yes, call a social worker.
If they can't help you, then they might be able to refer you to the proper agency that can provide assistance.
If your family member is beating his/her kids, or being abused by a spouse, or needs counseling for emotional problems, then yes, call a social worker.
If they can't help you, then they might be able to refer you to the proper agency that can provide assistance.
I was rather vague, wasn't I 
Basically a family member may be having a prescription drug related problem. He's been in the hospital twice now in the past 8 months when the rest of us were worried about his health, the second time being a week ago. He's back at home now and apparently in complete denial that anything bad happened.
Part of the problem is there's considerable physical distance involved. I'm literally on the other side of the continent here and trying to evaluate someone's mental state over the phone isn't exactly easy.
Basically a family member may be having a prescription drug related problem. He's been in the hospital twice now in the past 8 months when the rest of us were worried about his health, the second time being a week ago. He's back at home now and apparently in complete denial that anything bad happened.
Part of the problem is there's considerable physical distance involved. I'm literally on the other side of the continent here and trying to evaluate someone's mental state over the phone isn't exactly easy.
I've seen a therapist for two years. I went from being an overweight, suicidal manic depressive intreovert to a more outgoing, optimistic and in shape guy. I'm still depressed at times but for the the first time in my life I feel like things will get better.
So do I think this social worker idea is good? Absolutely! But if you can try and look into them and see if you can read about any of the ones in your area. Also, consider that not every therapist is for every person so it may take a few shots before you get the right one. Good luck to the family member and it's nice that you're looking out for him/her.
So do I think this social worker idea is good? Absolutely! But if you can try and look into them and see if you can read about any of the ones in your area. Also, consider that not every therapist is for every person so it may take a few shots before you get the right one. Good luck to the family member and it's nice that you're looking out for him/her.
Hi there, done social work...
First, you need to understand that "social worker" is a broad term. Are you talking about a drug counselor or somebody like a case manager?
Second, "social workers" have to operate within specific parameters. Just because they suspect somebody may have a drug problem, they cannot intervene at will. To some extent this may vary by state. However, they can't just do something like stage an intervention. Rather, they have to rely on the voluntariness of the subject...unless they are a danger to others and themselves.
First, you need to understand that "social worker" is a broad term. Are you talking about a drug counselor or somebody like a case manager?
Second, "social workers" have to operate within specific parameters. Just because they suspect somebody may have a drug problem, they cannot intervene at will. To some extent this may vary by state. However, they can't just do something like stage an intervention. Rather, they have to rely on the voluntariness of the subject...unless they are a danger to others and themselves.
I work for the social services in my municipal as an assistant.
If you were in Sweden I would say absolutly yes. They can do a lot of good things.
They can also help YOU how to relate in these things. However, they cannot interfere against your familymember wishes IF he is not deemed to be in immiditate danger to himself or others. BUT being in denial is an indicator of something being wrong. Call them and tell them like it is, you guys are worried for him because he has a substance abuse problem and he has been hospitalised for it. That is enough for them to atleast make contact and OFFER the help.
Here in Sweden social services get notices from hospitals (mostly psychwards) and police etc when something has happened just so we can be prepared to step in.
I believe social services can help out in broad areas and we do know where else one can turn if one does not wish to have the help we offer. For example therapy for the family as a whole or idividually.
If you were in Sweden I would say absolutly yes. They can do a lot of good things.
They can also help YOU how to relate in these things. However, they cannot interfere against your familymember wishes IF he is not deemed to be in immiditate danger to himself or others. BUT being in denial is an indicator of something being wrong. Call them and tell them like it is, you guys are worried for him because he has a substance abuse problem and he has been hospitalised for it. That is enough for them to atleast make contact and OFFER the help.
Here in Sweden social services get notices from hospitals (mostly psychwards) and police etc when something has happened just so we can be prepared to step in.
I believe social services can help out in broad areas and we do know where else one can turn if one does not wish to have the help we offer. For example therapy for the family as a whole or idividually.
If your relative has health insurance, chances are that he has behavioral health coverage and that LICSWs are a covered provider type. But so are other licensed professionals. The thing is, he has to want help and he has to find somebody to go to, and he has to do it; you can't do it for him. All you can do is try to convince him.
Yeah, and ultimately that's the problem I'm facing here. He's already twice refused a psychiatric evaluation because he doesn't think anything is wrong. He is seeing a therapist, but it doesn't seem to be helping at the moment (and he already ditched his old therapist because he didn't like what they were saying).
Anyway, thanks to those who have made comments. I'm just trying to assess my options here!
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