Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use Among Mental Health Consumers.

Understanding integrative approaches to mental health care can improve the responsiveness of the mental health system. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is on the rise. Research documents that many mental health consumers use CAM. This exploratory study attempts to advance awareness of CAM in mental health by examining mental health consumers' usage of CAM, their experiences in discussing CAM use with providers, and how CAM use relates to mental health recovery. Results show that 72% of the sample uses such methods, and CAM use is associated with recovery. About 54% of respondents feel CAM combined with medication is more effective than medication alone, and many endorse positive beliefs about CAM. Most consumers shared CAM use with their providers, but when they did not, the main reasons were fear of provider judgment and provider attitudes being a deterrent.

Examination of an Integrative Health Care Model for Social Work Practice.

Social work professionals would benefit by including integrative medicine programs and practices in their framework of practice and service delivery to clients. In our rapidly changing health care environment, using a model that provides a more comprehensive and empowering approach to addressing the medical and psychological needs of our clients is warranted. Discussion of holistic social work practice and implications for social work education and training will be examined through a review of the research and clinical application of a mind-body program titled the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP). This client-centered, strengths-based program can be used in conjunction with traditional therapies to empower clients to take part in their own health care by teaching noninvasive, self-care, and user-friendly techniques. New research from the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine has demonstrated a reduction in service utilization and cost savings from participation in 3RP. Research on this resiliency health care model will be of interest to social work practitioners, educators, and policymakers alike.

Psychosocial factors associated with types of child maltreatment.

This explanatory, descriptive study examines whether a relationship exists between certain psychosocial factors or clusters of factors and parents' or caregivers' behaviors regarding the type of maltreatment inflicted on a child. This study examines physical abuse, neglect, and both physical abuse and neglect cases. Results show that physical abuse and neglect seem to be associated with very different stressors. These findings have implications for interventions and treatment plans for child maltreatment cases.