Case Work Service

Introduction

Clinical psychologists of the Social Welfare Department provide psychological assessments and psychotherapy services to the public, supporting them to face emotional distresses and major challenges in life.

Service Target

Our service targets are individuals who have emotional, cognitive or behavioural difficulties. Clinical psychologists worked with a wide range of issues, such as marriage and family, parenting, juvenile behaviours, delinquency, child abuse, adjustment following unfortunate events and other areas of life adjustment issues.

Services provided

Psychological assessment and diagnosis

Assessments and/or diagnoses are made basing on psychological tests with empirical basis, systematic behavioral observation and clinical interviews.

Psychotherapy

Individual therapy

Based on the information obtained from psychological assessments and clinical interviews, clinical psychologists formulate appropriate therapy goals and directions for individuals based on their backgrounds, needs, and problems faced which helps them to understand the causes of their problems, and to change their perspectives, emotions, and behaviors. It also helps them to improve their resilience and problem-solving skills, thereby alleviating psychological distresses

There are many types of psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma- Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and various relaxation techniques. Unlike psychiatrists, clinical psychologists do not prescribe medications

Couple and family therapy

In couple and family therapy, clinical psychologists aim to understand the problems that arise between spouses, children, and other family members through individual and joint interviews

Clinical psychologists would analyze inappropriate interactions and communication patterns between family members, and explore how dysfunctional family relationships perpetuates clients’ difficulties. Clinical psychologists may sometimes invite relevant family members to meet and work together. Through allowing family members to understand and explore new communication strategies, more balanced and healthy family relationships could be reestablished and family members with special needs could be better supported

Group therapy

Psychotherapy may also be conducted in group format, such as parent groups, personal growth groups, and mindfulness activities etc.

Note: Clinical psychologists will determine the types or mode of psychotherapy according to individual's needs.

Public talks and professional training

Clinical psychologists organize talks, workshops, and systematic training on different topics, such as stress management, parenting, marital relationships, improving sleep, and facing life adversity

Early psychological intervention

Clinical psychologists provide early psychological intervention services to individuals who encounter emergencies, so as to prevent worsening of the psychological trauma and to reduce adverse impacts of the incident on individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Office address and service area

Referral procedure

• Individuals who are currently not receiving services from the Social Welfare Department may approach the Integrated Family Service Center in their residential area, or call the SWD hotline for inquiry.
• Individuals who are currently receiving services from units under the Social Welfare Department could inquire with their respective social workers for referral details.
• Service fee: free of charge.