Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work

Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work introduces the key ideas of evidence-based clinical social work practice and their thoughtful application. It intends to inform practitioners and to address the challenges and needs faced in real world practice. This book lays out the many strengths of the EBP model, but also offers perspectives on its limitations and challenges. An appreciative but critical perspective is offered throughout. Practical issues (agency supports, access to research resources, help in appraising research) are addressed - and some practical solutions offered. Ethical issues in assessment/diagnosis, working with diverse families to make treatment decisions, and delivering complex treatments requiring specific skill sets are also included.

"This volume is a superb and user-friendly resource for clinical social workers interested in incorporating the EBP approach into their practice. It provides the intellectual and practical tools that practitioners need to use EBP wisely as well as to appreciate its limitations, with many case illustrations. Although the book can easily be used on its own by graduate clinicians and social workers administering programs that deliver clinical services, MSW programs that include specializations in clinical or direct practice should consider adopting this volume as a required text to equip their graduates for practice in the current context of accountable care." – Jeanne W. Anastas, Ph.D., LMSW, President of the National Association of Social Workers and Professor, NYU Silver School of Social Work, New York, NY

"Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work is the most exciting recent contribution to the emerging literature on evidence-based practice. Beautifully written by two broadly experienced clinicians and social researchers, the text is erudite, comprehensive, and apt to be greeted enthusiastically by practitioners across the human services. Among the many helpful and unique features of the book are the clinical vignettes included in six chapters that provide realistic and nuanced insights into the application of EBP to clinical decision making in diverse contexts. Few texts have considered evidence-based practice as a social movement or focused so thoughtfully on practical issues of key importance to clinicians, such as choosing optimal interventions from available treatment alternatives. If asked to select the single best book for students or practitioners interested in evidence-based practice, this is certainly the book I would recommend." - Matthew Owen Howard, Ph.D., Frank Daniels Distinguished Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Editor, Social Work Research

The recent trend toward evidence-based practice has transformed the helping professions, social work among them. Recent books on EBP, however, have been geared more toward the social work research community than to the frontline practitioner seeking clinical knowledge. Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work fills this gap, presenting EBP as both an effective approach to social work and a broader social movement.

This practical volume takes readers through the EBP decision-making process in assessment, treatment planning, and evaluation, providing guidelines for making relevant use of research findings. The authors’ breadth of experience as practitioners, researchers, and educators―and their emphasis on balancing clinical expertise and client needs―gives their work real-world salience. And since both the strengths and limitations of the EBP model are analyzed, readers have a fuller idea of how the method will shape their own practice. This practice-building reference:

• Introduces core principles of EBP and details its processes in social work.
• Provides examples of meta-analysis and systematic reviews.
• Features guidelines for engaging clients in EBP, including transmitting research findings.
• Offers case examples demonstrating EBP with diverse clients.
• Addresses education and supervision issues, and ongoing controversies.
• Includes a glossary and useful appendices.

Clinical social work professionals and educators as well as policymakers will look to Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work as a resource that broadens the field and expands the healing possibilities for the profession.