The role of social work in mental health in a variable multicultural environment

Abstract

Over the recent decades the increasing number of migration flows has exerted and continues to exert great pressure on the health system and on the welfare structures of Greece. The bases for the development of a rudimentary reception and integration system -that still is in progress – have long been delayed, while there has been no happy medium, between the enormous pressure that foreigner users of this system put on, and the humanitarian obligation of a well-governed state towards all residents of the country. The purpose of this article is to capture this situation within the changes that take place due to it, inside the Greek society where there is a great need for professional social workers who are able to work targeted and effectively with foreigners, both children and adults, who have or develop mental health problems for the very first time.