Ethical Challenges Faced by Social Work Students in Mental Health Setting

Social work student’s work in a variety of settings, but ethical dilemmas in mental health settings are particularly significant, often impacting their professional development and decision- making. Despite the demand for mental health services rising in Nepal, there is a lack of proper training and guidance on ethical practices in this area. This study aims to explore the ethical challenges faced by social work students in mental health settings and assess their awareness of ethical practice. Understanding these challenges is essential to uphold professional standards, and support future social workers in delivering ethical care. This study uses a qualitative method and an interpretivist approach with data collected from 12 purposively and conveniently selected participants through semi-structured and in-depth interviews. The collected data was further analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study suggests that the level of awareness among social work students regarding the importance of ethical practice in mental health settings is generally strong. However, they face many ethical challenges such as confidentiality, informed consent, professional limits, value conflicts, client autonomy, and the concept of no maleficence, mainly because the curriculum focuses more on theory than practice, with inadequate supervision, limited opportunities for independent decision-making, and a lack of hands-on experience. The study suggests enhancing supervision, practical education, and ethical decision- making frameworks as ways to empower social work students. Establishing a safe environment for discussion may lead students in successfully navigate moral dilemmas.