Maryam Asadi, a social worker at Razi Hospital in Mahneshan, emphasized the importance of specialized counseling for adolescents, stating that mental health assessment for this group must be conducted through a biopsychosocial approach and collaborative teamwork to achieve sustainable outcomes.

In an interview with the Webda News Agency in Zanjan, Asadi described adolescence as a “complex system” in which various factors—including family, school, peers, and social networks—interact with one another. She explained that the role of the social worker is to carry out a comprehensive evaluation aimed at identifying all environmental and familial influences on the adolescent’s condition.

Highlighting four core responsibilities of hospital-based social work—namely “initial assessment and screening,” “referral to specialized centers,” “family support,” and “provision of supportive resources”—she stressed that the social worker’s role extends far beyond that of a simple intermediary. Active participation in the treatment team, she argued, is essential for achieving positive results.

Asadi underscored confidentiality as the cornerstone of building trust with adolescents, noting that this professional commitment assures them they can speak freely without fear of disclosure. She clarified, however, that confidentiality is maintained only insofar as the individual’s life is not at risk.

She further identified empowerment as the ultimate goal of social work, explaining that the aim is to help adolescents move from being passive recipients of services to becoming active agents of change in their own lives. In this process, they are encouraged to acquire skills such as assertiveness, conflict resolution, and critical thinking.

The social worker urged families to take behavioral changes in adolescents seriously, warning that ignoring transient anxiety or depression may lead to severe consequences. Alongside psychological consultation, she emphasized that the social worker’s role in linking individual health to its social context is indispensable for achieving lasting recovery.

In conclusion, Asadi asserted that specialized counseling during adolescence is not a matter of choice but a vital necessity for preventing mental disorders and fostering responsible individuals within society.