The Strengths Model: Case Management with People with Psychiatric Disabilities

Much has occurred since the publication of the first edition of this classic textbook. Recovery from psychiatric disabilities has become the new vision for mental health services. It has placed a new eminence on consumer resiliency, self-determination, shared decision-making, and empowerment. The implementation of evidence-based services has become a major focus of service system reform internationally. "The Strenghts Model, Second Edition" firmly grounds the strengths model of case management within the recovery paradigm and offers evidence-based guidelines for practice. In clear language, the authors describe the conceptual underpinnings, theory, empirical support, principles and practice methods that comprise the strengths model of case management. A chapter on the organisational structure and management methods necessary for successful implementation of the model make this a valuable tool for trainers, supervisors and quality assurance personnel. This edition reflects the dynamic nature of the strengths model. Practice methods have been added and refined, and more detailed descriptions provided. Practice tools have been improved and new ones, like the Strengths Model Fidelity Instrument, added. New case vignettes have been added to give the reader a vivid picture of the methods in actual practice.

Table of Contents:
1. History, Critique, and Useful Conceptions: Toward a Strengths Paradigm; 2. A Beginning Theory of Strengths; 3. The Purpose, Principles, and Research Results of the Strengths Model; 4. Engagement and Relationship: A New Partnership; 5. Strengths Assessment: Amplifying the Well Part of the Individual; 6. Personal Planning: Creating the Achievement Agenda; 7. Resource Acquisition: Putting Community Back into Community Mental Health; 8. Supportive Case Management Context: Creating the Conditions for Effectiveness; 9. Strenghts Model Epilogue: Commonly Asked Questions (Objections) and Managed Care

Review :
"For those who have read the first edition, there is still enough new material here, with more examples of real case histories, to make this a must read text....Rapp and Goscha have achieved what they set out to do: setting out the values and principles and the theory of the Strengths Model, and describing real practices that implement this approach....I would strongly recommend it for social work practitioners in mental health services, but it should also be considered as mandatory reading for all social workers and every mental health discipline." --British Journal of Social Work "One of the strengths of this book is its wholehearted embrace of the importance of clinical research...This excellent book has much to offer to psychologists and other mental health professionals. It effectively challenges many of the tenets with which we have traditionally approached persons with psychiatric disabilities, and it provides a practical and alternative model for treating them. It is highly recommended in general, and in particular for those of us who work with persons with psychiatric disabilities."--PsycCRITIQUES "Case managers and those who supervise them will greatly benefit from this highly readable text. In all, its a book that needs to be read and that advocates methods that must be used."--Psychiatric Services