Educating Social Workers in CBT for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety and related disorders are among the most prevalent mental health disorders with approximately 18% of adults and 25% of children affected nationally. Despite improvements in effective anxiety treatments, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that fewer than 15% of those with anxiety and related disorders receive minimally acceptable treatment. Since social workers provide the bulk of psychotherapeutic interventions for those with mental disorders nationwide, it is critical that social work students and professionals be trained in general evidence-supported interventions for mental disorders, and specifically for anxiety. While interest in EBP in social work has increased, it is unclear whether, where, and how much evidence-supported intervention for mental health is included in MSW curricula or social work continuing education.

To better understand the training of social workers on these issues, a short 4-question survey was developed and administered to a national listserv of deans/directors of 199 schools of social work (SSWs). Questions focused on general MSW education in CBT and EBPs, anxiety-specific education, and continuing education related to CBT, EBPs, and anxiety. To strengthen findings, websites of top-ranked SSWs were also reviewed for MSW curriculum content and continuing education offerings on CBT, EBPs, and anxiety. While data are still being collected, initial findings suggest that while some SSWs include content on CBT and related EBPs, specific training on anxiety treatment is rare. Recommendations for how to improve training on anxiety and related disorders will be covered, and implications for the social work's growing role in community mental health discussed.