El rol del treball social a la Xarxa de Salut Mental i Addiccions (XSMiA) de Girona

In 1978, the first social workers joined the mental health field at the Psychiatric Hospital of Salt. Forty years later, these professionals have become a key component in the model of mental healthcare in Girona. This article aims 1) to analyse how social work is introduced into the Mental Health and Addictions Network of Girona (XSMiA) attached to the Healthcare Institute (IAS), 2) to review the development this professional figure has witnessed; and 3) to identify future challenges observed by professionals. The research is structured into five analysis areas: the kind of intervention and the tasks conducted; representation, role and value within teams; difficulties inherent to their incorporation; and the future challenges identified by professionals. From a methodological point of view, the information was obtained through theoretical exploration, documentary research and lectures by professionals, acquired using the semi-structured interview technique. Among other aspects, the research confirms that the figure of social work within the XSMiA is well-established and benefits from some recognition, despite the fact that the non-definition of the profession within the health field is an aspect that makes it difficult to define its functions and the type of intervention.