THE MEDICAL MODEL, MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, AND INDIVIDUALS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA AND THEIR FAMILIES

The medical model is the dominant treatment paradigm in mental health practice. The purpose of this mixed methods study is to explore the influence of the medical model of treatment on individuals with schizophrenia and their families in a large community mental health center. Findings from the quantitative data indicate that nurses (mean 23.58), not social workers, had significantly more clients with schizophrenia on their caseloads and also have the largest caseloads (mean 73.36). Qualitative data from practitioners suggest that the medical model of treatment has an important influence over caseload composition and size. Implications for individuals with schizophrenia and their families as well as for social work are discussed.