The purpose of this study was to explore the levels of self-perceived mental health competence among MSW students in their final year of field work in the California State University, Long Beach's Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The data in this study were collected through self-administered surveys from a sample of 85 MSW students. The survey instrument consisted of two CalSWEC mental health competency subscales of cultural linguistic competent generalist practice and foundation practice. Background questions and demographic questions were also collected.

The results indicated that MSW students with more specialized training in mental health had higher levels of self-perceived mental health. Demographic or background characteristics of the participants did not influence level of perceived mental health competence.

The results of the study suggest that social work students, overall, had moderate levels of perceived competence in foundation practice, and high moderate levels of perceived cultural competence. Additional research is needed.