Insights from the front-line: social workers working with clients with mental health and substance use issues

For social workers that work with clients who have Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) issues, this profession can be both very rewarding and very challenging. This paper examines the experiences of front-line social workers in a Victoria, B.C., as these experiences relate to working with clients with mental health and substance use issues. The role of Anti-Oppressive Social Work theories and practices relevant to MHSU, and how they influence field-work, will also be examined. For the purposes of this project, social workers were asked to participate in both verbal and written interviews. As a result of the interviews, several common themes emerged, including the stigma against mental health and substance use clients, Harm Reduction strategies currently in use, and the importance of working from a Housing First philosophy. This research provides valuable first-hand knowledge for social workers, other professionals who work with MHSU clients, and the community at large.