What good can I do here? A reflection on ethical stress as a specialist psychological practitioner and mental health social worker

This article reflects on ethical stress as a shared feature of mental health social work and forensic psychology. Using a composite case, it explores the challenges of maintaining a values-based, systemic understanding of vulnerability within the power dynamics of the criminal justice system. The tension between care and control is examined, particularly in the context of court-ordered mental health treatment, alongside the therapeutic potential of holding relationships. Ultimately, the paper highlights the role of forensic psychology, through structured community provisions such as Mental Health Treatment Requirements, in supporting rehabilitation within imperfect systems.