The use of community resources, individual case work, or group work to promote the adaptive capacities of individuals in relation to their social and economic environments. It includes social service agencies.

Use of all social work processes in the treatment of patients in a psychiatric or mental health setting.

Hospital department responsible for administering and providing social services to patients and their families.

Usually organized community efforts to raise money to promote financial programs of institutions. The funds may include individual gifts.

Works about accounts of individual experience in relation to a particular field or of participation in related activities.

Organized institutions which provide services to ameliorate conditions of need or social pathology in the community.

Any behavior caused by or affecting another individual, usually of the same species.

Studies beyond the bachelor's degree at an institution having graduate programs for the purpose of preparing for entrance into a specific field, and obtaining a higher degree.

Promotion and protection of the rights of patients, frequently through a legal process.

Support systems that provide assistance and encouragement to individuals with physical or emotional disabilities in order that they may better cope. Informal social support is usually provided by friends, relatives, or peers, while formal assistance is provided by churches, groups, etc.

Care of patients by a multidisciplinary team usually organized under the leadership of a physician; each member of the team has specific responsibilities and the whole team contributes to the care of the patient.

A geographic location which has insufficient health resources (manpower and/or facilities) to meet the medical needs of the resident population.

The interaction of two or more persons or organizations directed toward a common goal which is mutually beneficial. An act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit, i.e., joint action. (From Random House Dictionary Unabridged, 2d ed)

The aggregate of social and cultural institutions, forms, patterns, and processes that influence the life of an individual or community.

The separation of individuals or groups resulting in the lack of or minimizing of social contact and/or communication. This separation may be accomplished by physical separation, by social barriers and by psychological mechanisms. In the latter, there may be interaction but no real communication.

The term "United States" in a medical context often refers to the country where a patient or study participant resides, and is not a medical term per se, but relevant for epidemiological studies, healthcare policies, and understanding differences in disease prevalence, treatment patterns, and health outcomes across various geographic locations.

The perceiving of attributes, characteristics, and behaviors of one's associates or social groups.

A stratum of people with similar position and prestige; includes social stratification. Social class is measured by criteria such as education, occupation, and income.

Adaptation of the person to the social environment. Adjustment may take place by adapting the self to the environment or by changing the environment. (From Campbell, Psychiatric Dictionary, 1996)