Reference no: EM133833175

Question

A critical issue in the macro social environment that requires change is the lack of accessible mental health resources in underserved communities. Many individuals in these areas face significant barriers to receiving affordable and culturally competent mental health care, leaving vulnerable populations without the support they need to address their challenges. To promote change, I would apply the generalist practice framework involving engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. The first step would be to engage with the community to build trust and understand their concerns through town halls, focus groups, and listening sessions. Next, I would assess the root causes of limited mental health access, such as provider shortages, stigma, or insurance gaps. Based on these findings, I would implement interventions like advocating for policy changes, creating peer support programs, and partnering with schools to provide mental health education. Finally, I would evaluate the interventions by gathering community feedback and analyzing data to ensure their effectiveness. The NASW Code of Ethics principle of "Social Justice" would most apply to this effort. Promoting mental health equity aligns with the ethical obligation to challenge social injustices and advocate for systemic change. Social workers are called to address barriers that prevent individuals from achieving.