University of Kansas School of Social Welfare

Students gain real-world experience and receive one-to-one mentoring during their social work practicum placement. Current MSW students share what they've learned in practicum.

In her practicum at a rural mental health clinic, Bates observes and shadows mental health professionals across individual, group, and family therapy and mobile crisis services. She leads a psychoeducation group on communication while continuing to refine her interpersonal skills as she progresses into her clinical year. She is passionate about supporting underserved populations and improving access to mental health care.

Researchers in the KU School of Social Welfare have updated training materials that prepare health care providers to prevent, identify and treat substance use disorders across Kansas. SBIRT — Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment — is an evidence-based approach to talking with people about their substance use.

Lily Shine, who will graduate in May with her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, has made it a life mission to tackle homelessness.