Social Work and Mental Health

Given the broad scope of Karban's book, she succeeds in covering key areas of theory, research and reflective practice for practicioners relatively new (or returning) to the topic and I would warmly recommend it as a useful resource for this audience. British Journal of Social Work Kate Karban's book is approachable, well-informed and grounded in social work values and practice. Importantly it is not just for the specialist mental health practicioner; it shows how social workers can make positive contributions to the well-being of service users in many different settings. Juliet Koprowska, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, York University A social approach to mental health is needed more than ever. Karban's Social Work and Mental Health provides social care practicioners with all the arguments necessary to defend their corner. This will be invaluable resource for trainees and those already working in the field. David Pilgrim, School of Social Work, University of Central Lancashire Taking inspiration from a wide range of sources, particularly perspectives of people who have experience of mental distress, Kate Karban offers an excellent introduction to mental health social work. The field has long been dominated by biomedical constructions of 'mental illness' and it is most refreshing to read about people's social experiences and issues of inequality and diversity, which we know are major contributory factors to mental health difficulties. Jerry Tew, Institute of Applied Social Studies, Birmingham University