Clinical Social Work Practice and Education: What Would Flexner Think Now?

ABSTRACT

A century has passed since Abraham Flexner posed the question on whether social work is a profession. This article attempts to answer that question, and considers several definitions put forth by global and national social work professional organizations, including a definition of clinical social work. Addressing the current state of social work practice and its impact on social work education, particularly clinical social work, this article takes into account the factors that affect both areas, such as the behavioral health care movement, emphasis on evidence-based practice, and research grant acquisition expectations in the recruitment of faculty. Implications of these trends are addressed, along with the future direction of the profession and its educational mandate.

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Notes on contributors

Carol Tosone

Carol Tosone is associate professor and Director of the DSW program in Clinical Social Work at New York University Silver School of Social Work.