A clinical field practicum experience at the northwest community addictions and mental health clinic utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing

Abstract

This report is a reflection on my clinical practicum experience at the NW Community Addiction and Mental Health Clinic in Calgary, AB, with Alberta Health Services. The goals of this practicum were to: 1) gain clinical social work experience and knowledge in the area of outpatient mental health and addiction care; 2) to become familiar with clinical assessment and interventions used within the outpatient mental health and addictions clinic; and 3) to gain knowledge and skills in the clinical theories of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) used in individual and group settings within the clinic. This report opens with an introduction to my learning objectives, the NW Community Addiction and Mental Health Clinic and individual and clinic ideologies and is followed by a literature review and discussion surrounding how I achieved my practicum goals. Lastly, the report discusses professional challenges and ethical considerations followed by a final summary and conclusion.