Complementary alternative medicine in health and mental health: Implications for social work practice

This article describes the increasing use of complementary alternative medi cine (CAM) in this country and its implications for social work practice, e ducation, research and policy in the health care field. Descriptive example s of CAM treatment modalities are provided along with their underlying rati onale, common uses and available empirical support. It is concluded that pa tients will be better served by social workers who have knowledge of CAM tr eatment modalities. Furthermore, the need for further research on the effic acy of many CAM treatments and the certification of CAM treatment providers is discussed.