ABSTRACT
In this chapter the title of this book ‘Child and Adolescent Mental Health Theory and Practice’ is considered. The title refers specifically to two aspects of the activities of people who work in mental health, theory, i.e., what you think and what you know and practice, i.e., what you do. It aims to clarify the meaning of Mental, Health, Theory, and Practice in addition to other concepts crucial to ‘Knowing what you are doing’.
It considers the important task of mental health workers their knowledge and how essential their role is to offering an understanding of the mental processes involved in behaviour that most people are unable to explain. This is done within the health/illness domain rather than in the moral or spiritual one. It is an activity that requires theoretical knowledge and skill beyond that of applying a technique.
