Beliefs, Attitudes, and Knowledge about Complementary and Alternative Interventions among Licensed Clinical Social Work Practitioners

Abstract

There is an increasing trend of using Complementary and Alternative Interventions (CAI) to address mental health conditions. This research aims to bring awareness to how social workers integrate and utilize CAI in practice with clients. This study examined the following questions: (1) Do LCSWs use CAI in professional assessment and practice with clients, as well as in their own lives (i.e., in their personal/non-professional practice)?; (2a) What levels of CAI beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge do LCSWs report?; (2b) What demographic characteristics are associated with CAI beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge?; and (3) Controlling for relevant demographic characteristics (years of post-master’s practice, personal use of CAM/CAI, gender), what beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge are associated with CAI use in assessment and practice?

A cross-sectional online survey was used to assess CAI practices, beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge among Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW, n=193). The results of this study showed that 60.6% (n=117) of social workers assessed for CAI, 63.2% (n=122)utilized CAI professionally, and 90.2% (n=174) personally utilized CAI. LCSWs had moderately positive beliefs about CAI, neutral attitudes towards CAI, and high baseline knowledge of CAI. Additional results found that older LCSWs reported more positive beliefs towards CAI and less knowledge of CAI (p<.05), and that CAI attitudes were not associated with age or years of practice (p<.05). LCSWs with more years of practice were more likely to report positive CAI beliefs and less knowledge about CAI (p<.05). There was no significant difference found among different races for beliefs or knowledge; however, White/Caucasian participants indicated having more positive attitudes towards CAI compared to Black/African American participants. No significant differences were noted for beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of CAI among LCSWs who worked in private practice or community-based/non-profit or among identified genders. Lastly, the only predictor for assessment and utilization of CAI was level of attitudes (p<.05). As the largest mental health provider group, it is imperative that social workers have a foundational understanding of CAI knowledge, competence, and skills to provide relevant, effective, and safe services to the clients they serve. It is hoped that the results of this study serve as a starting point for future research of CAI among social workers, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the client experience by increasing client empowerment and engagement when receiving mental health services.