This comprehensive textbook addresses mental health social work theory and practice. It incorporates recommendations and developments emerging from current, significant reforms in social work as they apply within the context of mental health social work. Combining the theoretical and practical and covering both historical and contemporary issues, Mental Health Social Work should be considered essential reading for students, professionals and practitioners. Although the book focuses on developments in UK policy and legal frameworks, its substantive practice components draw upon the comparative research evidence and literature, and will therefore be relevant to an international audience.