A Critical Examination of CBT in Clinical Social Work Practice

Abstract

The dominance of cognitive behavioral treatment in social work practice is acknowledged and challenged, not from the usual quarters of pointing out its limitations as a theoretical and conceptual model, but from a fundamental critique of its evidentiary basis and the methodology from which such claims of superiority are pronounced. Significant concerns are raised about the restrictive inclusion criteria, the lack of ethnic and racial diversity, inadequate control groups, and researcher bias in random controlled trials studies. Further concerns are raised from social/cultural/political/professional dynamics that are evident in the delivery of mental health services and function to limit client options for treatment.