The main reason I am pursuing my Masters in Social Work is to work in the field of behavioral health. However, through the training I have received thus far, combined with the personal research I have conducted, I am increasingly aware of a personal and professional ethical dilemma surrounding the field of behavioral health and psychotropic medications. The field of social work is undoubtedly closely related to the field of behavioral health and psychotropic medications. psychiatric field; social workers provide “the largest proportion of mental health services in the United States” (Moses, p. 211) and 40% of NASW (National Association of Social Workers) members practice in mental health settings (Cohen ). As social workers, we serve as a liaison between patients, families, prescribers, interdisciplinary teams and schools, regarding psychiatric referrals, assessments, treatments and follow-up. Additionally, many social workers succumbed and bought into the medical model of the psychiatric field – supporting, encouraging, and facilitating the prescription of psychotropic medications for the mentally ill population (Moses). Social workers working in behavioral health are, to some extent, expected to follow the “expertise” of the prescriber who is typically the team leader on interdisciplinary teams. Because social workers do not have medical degrees, we are taught not to question the prescription of psychotropic medications. However, many of these medications have horrible side effects, can impact a patient's physical health, and compromise their cognitive functioning and problem-solving abilities (Cohen). Additionally, mental illness is becoming an epidemic in our society; diagnostic inflation, psychopharmacological revolution,...... middle of paper...... no evidence of prior illness (Mitchell, 2009). For example, a person may want to have a few drinks to unwind after a long day; this choice does not and should not demonstrate that this person suffered from anxiety or other mental illness before drinking. Prescribers are aware of the side effects of psychotropic medications, but many will use the doctrine of double effect to justify their prescription of psychotropic medications. with the aim of relieving the symptoms of mental illness. However, while the true effectiveness rates of psychotropic medications are being studied and revealed, how can prescribers ethically continue to prescribe? ethical dilemma – do no harm – but do the “experts” feel they are acting in the best interest of the client? The dilemma lies in the education of the prescriber and the true informed consent of the client..