The role of the social worker in provincial psychiatric hospitals: an Ontario study

Confusion still exists about the roles and functions of social workers in the mental health care system. The authors discuss this role ambiguity and its effects. They then present and discuss the findings of a study that explored the current role of the social worker in Ontario psychiatric hospitals with the following objectives: to document social workers' major roles and activities; to assess role satisfaction; to assess involvement in decision making; and to identify major types of therapy used.