Establishing a Prevention-Focused Integrative Approach to Social Work Practice

Abstract

Establishing a prevention-focused integrative approach to practice is of critical importance for social work. The Affordable Care Act promotes a shift from fragmented health care delivery toward integrated models of service delivery that emphasize prevention. This shift prompts the need for practitioners who understand the interrelationship among mental health, substance use, and physical health care, and who are prepared to address these needs through a collaborative prevention-focused approach. This article describes such an approach to practice in which social workers integrate micro, mezzo, and macro practice efforts across service systems and, along with allied health and social service professionals, effectively and efficiently address major problems of living within the environmental context. Suggestions regarding curriculum implementation and policy advocacy are discussed.