Welcome to this learning activity with a focus on introduction to collaborations and mental health service delivery in the U.S. and Norwegian social welfare context.

This learning activity is a "flipped classroom". That means that before joining class, students are expected to have reviewed all materials for the learning activities, and have answered reflection questions.

Note: For autumn 2022, you will only work with this in groups or individually. There will be no in classroom activities connected to this learning activity.

Suggested literature:

Miller, Bazzi, A. R., Allen, H. L., Martinson, M. L., Salas-Wright, C. P., Jantz, K., Crevi, K., & Rosenbloom, D. L. (2017). A Social Work Approach to Policy: Implications for Population Health. American journal of public health (1971), 107(3), 243–249. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.304003
Health policy analysis: a simple tool for policy makers. (2005). Public Health, 119(3), 192–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2004.03.006

Miller, Bazzi, A. R., Allen, H. L., Martinson, M. L., Salas-Wright, C. P., Jantz, K., Crevi, K., & Rosenbloom, D. L. (2017). A Social Work Approach to Policy: Implications for Population Health. American Journal of Public Health (1971), 107(3), S243–S249. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.304003

Digital resource 1 - Diversity and inclusion

Watch this dialogue between Halvard Vike, Hannah Nguyen and Meka Brown:

Answer these questions:

What does diversity mean to you? Reflect on the diversity of the community you live in or serve.
How is diversity viewed in Norway?
In Norway, how are aspects of diversity taken into consideration (if any) in the design of mental health or more broadly social welfare services?

Digital resource 2 - Policy and Practice

Watch Hanna Nguyen and Mika Brown discussing hot to translate policy into practice: Foster youth and TAYS:

Answer these questions:

What is the relationship between policy and practice? How does one inform the other?
Identify ways your profession can advocate for policies that address the mental health needs of various populations and communities?
What do you think are key challenges that make it difficult to implement policies in the community or practice settings?

Digital resource 3 - Client’s perspective

Client’s perspective on effective mental health services:

Answer these questions:

Discuss why it is important to include the perspectives of clients in service delivery.
What do you take away from the video as key considerations and best practices for improving the effectiveness of mental health services to clients?

In class activity: (Not for 2022)

Identify an existing mental health program or policy in Norway or in the local municipality.
Highlight best practice(s) within these programs, linking them to some key concepts introduced in the module videos and readings. Additionally, discuss what best practices you would include to improve these programs - reflect on how/why they are important and effective for the clients served. For example, cultural-tailoring, client-centered care, diversity and inclusion, trauma-informed care, integrated care, interdisciplinary collaborations are some of the concepts mentioned.
Assess the social, cultural, and political climate that influences how mental health programs and policies are developed, implemented, and tailored to diverse populations. How are these factors (social, cultural, political) similar and different in the U.S. and in Norway?