Social Workers’ Observations of the Needs of the Total Military Community

Abstract

Researchers surveyed licensed social workers from 5 Mid-Atlantic states to explore their perspectives on the current state of mental health and service delivery for military service workers, families, and contractors. Social workers identified needs in the following areas: mental health, physical health and wellness, social and environmental, interpersonal and family, and military-specific needs. The majority of needs were most critical during the postdeployment stage. Education related to the observed needs was reported; social workers were most interested in learning about military culture and how to coordinate resources within the community to support the total military community. Suggestions for social work education and future research are discussed.

Notes

¹ Note that total percentages equal more than 100% due to respondents having the option to identify more than one population for which they practiced.

² Requests for the survey instrument can be e-mailed to the primary author at [email protected].

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jodi J. Frey

Jodi J. Frey is associate professor, Kathryn S. Collins is associate professor, Jennifer Pastoor is research assistant, and Linnea Linde is research assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Kathryn S. Collins

Jodi J. Frey is associate professor, Kathryn S. Collins is associate professor, Jennifer Pastoor is research assistant, and Linnea Linde is research assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Jennifer Pastoor

Jodi J. Frey is associate professor, Kathryn S. Collins is associate professor, Jennifer Pastoor is research assistant, and Linnea Linde is research assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Linnea Linde

Jodi J. Frey is associate professor, Kathryn S. Collins is associate professor, Jennifer Pastoor is research assistant, and Linnea Linde is research assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.