What You Can Expect
Provide holistic support for patients and families
Our Medical Social Workers (MSWs) use a systemic lens in assessing patients' needs, developing care and discharge plans, and coordinating services to ensure comprehensive support for our patients to live well in the community.
Leverage the power of group therapy
One of the intervention modalities we use is group work. We harness the therapeutic dynamics of the group to provide further impetus for patients and their families in the journey of mental health recovery.
Strengthen relationships through family therapy
Our MSWs trained in family therapy and counselling provide psychotherapy to help families navigate challenges. We support patients and their families to understand their relational dynamics, and foster healthier, more supportive interactions.
Provide and receive mentoring with experienced professionals
Social work supervision is a critical component of professional practice in social work. Senior staff are developed to take on this scope of work to enhance supervisees' skills, ensuring ethical practice and promoting professional development.
Shape the future of social work through research
We undertake social work research to understand and improve social conditions, guide practices, develop evidence-based interventions and to inform policies.
Hear from our People
Siti Adilah Rahiman (Principal MSW for 16 years at IMH)
My journey as a Medical Social Worker at the Institute of Mental Health has been both challenging and rewarding.
In this role, I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate care plans, conduct biopsychosocial assessments, and provide risk and crisis management for patients and their families. Witnessing the strengths and resilience of patients as they reintegrate into the community has been a humbling and heartening experience.
Engaging in community outreach and mental health training has further deepened my passion for addressing mental health issues in both hospital and community settings. This journey continues to inspire me to contribute meaningfully to improving the well-being of patients and their families.
Gloria Sum (Senior MSW for 7 years at IMH)
As a Medical Social Worker (MSW) at IMH, I address psychosocial factors influencing mental health by supporting patients, families, and caregivers holistically.
I conduct family assessments, provide psychoeducation, counseling, and groupwork, and link patients to resources to enhance their recovery and mental resilience. Collaborating with patients, families, and service providers, I address challenges to improve mental health and social functioning, aiming to help patients reach their fullest potential and achieve better health outcomes.
My role has enriched my social work practice and strengthened my teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary setting. IMH’s targeted training also equips staff with essential skills, enabling me to make a meaningful impact.
Chye Sze Yuan, Kayden (Social Work Coordinator for 5 years in IMH)
Working as a Social Work Coordinator at IMH has been a deeply rewarding journey of personal and career growth.
This role allows me to connect with patients and families at the hospital by addressing enquiries, administering welfare schemes, and conducting financial assessments. I also support Medical Social Workers (MSWs) with casework follow-ups, make home visits, accompany patients on errands, and arrange employment opportunities. Additionally, I provide administrative support, including reception and clerical duties.
Over the years, this job has enhanced my empathy, patience, and active listening skills. It has deepened my commitment to advocating for mental health awareness and reducing stigma, enabling me to make a meaningful impact with compassion and cultural sensitivity.
Allied Health Career Progression
