Clinical Model vs.

Developmental Model in Social Work Practice

by Christian Fisher, Demand Media

Clinical social workers use both clinical and developmental models to treat clients’
psychological and behavioral problems to help clients create better environments around
themselves and live healthier lives. As of publication, clinical social work is the largest
behavioral health field in the U.S., according to the National Association of Social Workers.

A clinical model outlines the steps and standards by which a clinical social worker expects to
guide a client to behavioral change. Because every client is different, a clinical social worker is
trained to integrate the best theories from fields such as psychology or education to create the
right clinical model for each particular client. For example, the University of Texas at Austin’s
School of Social Work teaches students to create a strategy and prioritize the different points
where therapy will be focused after assessing a client’s level of psychological and social
development and the influences that impact the client’s behavior.

A developmental model serves as a guide against which client behavior can be compared. For
example, one model used to assess individuals’ behavior is based on eight stages of psychosocial
development from birth to late adulthood as defined by 20th century psychoanalyst Erik Erikson.
Based on Erikson’s model, an adolescent client’s behaviors can be assessed against a
developmental stage that is marked by the struggle to find a fulfilling identity, whereas the
behavior of a client in late adulthood can be assessed against a stage of life that is marked by the
struggle to feel fulfilled by past choices and achievements.

Clinical and developmental models are both applied in social work practice to help clients
change their own behavior and learn to handle experiences that were once overwhelming. Both
types of models can help you, as a social worker, empower clients to gain insight into their
personal strengths and gain greater mastery of their thoughts, emotions and actions. Clinical
social workers integrate both types of models when helping individuals, couples, families or
groups.
Clinical models are part of intervention or treatment while developmental models are part of
assessment. Clinical models are based on how clients behave. They take into account all factors
that affect behavior, including mental illness, birth and brain defects, injury and addiction as well
as family and romantic relationships, socioeconomic conditions and spiritual beliefs, according
to the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. Developmental models are based
more on how different experiences and environments empower or disrupt clients’ behavioral
health.