Select and describe a social work intervention that is known to be evidence informed.
What are the sources supporting the intervention as evidence informed? Are these sources sufficient to meet the licensure requirement of social workers to implement evidence-informed practice?
How much training is expected before a social worker can implement the intervention? Is the training sufficient to meet the licensure requirement of social workers to implement evidence-informed practice?
What is the research evidence to support this intervention being used with diverse groups? Is the evidence sufficient to meet the licensure requirement of social workers to implement evidence-informed practice?
Social Work Intervention: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Overview
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. By changing our thoughts and behaviors, we can also change our feelings.
Evidence Base
CBT is one of the most well-researched and evidence-informed social work interventions available. There is a large body of research that supports the use of CBT for a variety of mental health conditions. For example, a meta-analysis of 171 studies found that CBT was effective in treating anxiety disorders, with an average effect size of 0.74 (Cohen’s d).
Sources Supporting the Intervention as Evidence Informed
Here are some of the sources that support CBT as an evidence-informed social work intervention:
Licensure Requirements for Social Workers to Implement Evidence-Informed Practice
Most social work licensing boards require social workers to implement evidence-informed practice. For example, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics states that social workers have a responsibility to “base practice decisions on empirical evidence and research.”
Training Requirements for Social Workers to Implement CBT
There are a variety of training programs available to social workers who want to learn how to implement CBT. Some social work schools offer CBT training as part of their curriculum. There are also a number of professional organizations that offer CBT training workshops and webinars.
The amount of training required to implement CBT effectively varies depending on the individual social worker’s experience and expertise. However, most social work licensing boards require social workers to have at least some training in CBT before implementing it with clients.
Research Evidence to Support Using CBT with Diverse Groups
There is a growing body of research that supports the use of CBT with diverse groups. For example, a study of African American adults with PTSD found that CBT was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving mental functioning. Another study of Hispanic adults with depression found that CBT was effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
CBT is a well-researched and evidence-informed social work intervention that is effective for treating a variety of mental health conditions. CBT is also effective with diverse groups. Social workers who want to implement CBT should receive training from a qualified professional.
Meeting Licensure Requirements for Evidence-Informed Practice
The sources, training, and research evidence described above all meet the licensure requirements for social workers to implement evidence-informed practice. The sources are from reputable organizations, the training is from qualified professionals, and the research evidence is published in peer-reviewed journals.
Additional Information
Here are some additional resources on CBT: