Improving Communication in Mental Health Settings

This week's review centers on mental health services, providing practical tips for employing effective communication strategies.

Improving Communication in Mental Health Settings: Evidence-Based Recommendations from Practitioner-led Research

ed. by Michelle O’Reilly and Jessica Nina Lester Routledge, 2021
264p bibl index, 9780367456061 $160.00, 9780367456054 $39.95, 9781003024330 $39.95

Improving Communication in Mental Health Settings: Evidence-Based Recommendations from Practitioner-led Research book cover. Teal background with a butterfly made of water in the center.

This book offers a unique real-world study on the application of the skill and art of communication in mental health, using discourse and conversation analysis as core methodologies. The book comprises three parts: “Communication with Children and Families,” “Communication with Adults,” and “Learning Journeys.” Parts 1 and 2 include chapters that focus on the content and analysis of social interaction during communication generated in the course of a particular type of treatment (assessment and provision of services). Each chapter presents current research, the scenario(s) or case(s) used to illustrate the techniques, a discussion of the communication process, practical tips (presented in text boxes), reflections, and a conclusion. A major strength of the book is that each case engages both an academic and a practitioner working in mental health. This ensures that the text is approachable both in terms of the principles presented and as they are applied. The methodologies adopted for the analysis (explored in depth in part 3) are complex, yet the discussions and practical tips are clear, concise, and invaluable. The reflections—commenting on what worked and what did not, what seems awkward or may be easier than expected—are refreshingly candid. The chapters on children are especially strong, and overall the text is also applicable for international communities.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. Students in two-year technical programs.
Reviewer: K. E. Murphy, independent scholar
Subject: Social & Behavioral Sciences – Psychology
Choice Issue: May 2022


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