Examining feminist social work practice in adult acute psychiatry

This practicum report describes the experience of implementing a feminist practice integrative method, articulated by Bricker-Jenkins ... on an adult acute psychiatric unit. Based on direct observation and reflections collected in a journal over a three month period, the challenges and possibilities of bringing this approach into a medical setting are highlighted. The major challenge to implementing feminist social work practice within adult acute psychiatry was the reliance on the biological medical model for the assessment and treatment of patients with mental illness. However, feminist social work practice informs and enhances psychiatric social work practice within adult acute psychiatry, as it challenges the focus on individual pathology through emphasis on the strengths and holistic needs of patients receiving care. This report provides strategies for hospital social workers to implement empowerment based practice methods within the healthcare system.