The SW-PCP model: an interprofessional strategy for integrated child and adolescent mental health care

The Social Work-Primary Care Programme (SW-PCP) Model is an innovative interprofessional intervention developed within the Catalan Programme for Collaboration between Mental Health, Addictions, and Primary and Community Care (PCP). This model integrates specialised child and adolescent mental health social work (SW) as a key component for the early detection of social vulnerability and for reducing the medicalisation of social issues. The primary aim of this study is to describe the model and analyse outcomes from its first year of implementation (February 2024 to January 2025) in two Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centres (CAMHC) located in Mollet and Granollers. Out of 3,311 total cases, 720 (21.7%) were referred to SW. Of these, only 1% required further clinical referral, while 64% (Granollers) and 88% (Mollet) were resolved within social work, demonstrating a great capacity for containment and resolution. The integration of SW within mental health and primary care teams has enhanced interprofessional coordination, early identification, and community-based response. The SW-PCP model is an effective means of improving responses to socially rooted demands, reducing the burden on specialised services, and promoting child- and family-centred mental health care.