ABSTRACT
In Arab countries social work in the area of mental health [which is well known in the industrialized nations] is still in its early stages as far as planning for the future is concerned and there is a growing need to develop a suitable model in that field. Hopefully the proposed model would be a significant guide to the aims and mechanics of such a programme and assist in the progress of mental health care. Having defined the social work component and its aims, the author gives some examples of psychiatric problems which would be better considered from the social and functional angle as well as the interaction of the individual with his environment. Therefore, this research highlights practical ways of influencing social work towards developing human relationships, overcoming psychiatric problems and the role of the family and social institutions in that field. One of the essential elements of the suggested programme is to provide suitable training for workers in order to increase their knowledge, their skills and their ability for solving many of the various psychological problems. It is clear that such a programme has to be organized and monitored. Some examples of this are provided as far as what could be done and achieved in rural areas and generally in the whole field of mental health services