The eighth edition of best-selling AN INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES offers a uniquely practical and comprehensive introduction to the human services profession. Drawing on the authors' extensive experience as practitioners, educators, and researchers, the text defines human services, reviews the historical development of the field, provides a practical overview of the profession, and emphasizes the skills needed to succeed as a human services practitioner. The book provides a solid grounding in such fundamental concepts as serving the whole person, using an interdisciplinary approach, interacting with helper and client, preparing generalists, and empowering clients. Every chapter includes detailed case studies to highlight the practical applications of key concepts and prepare students to effectively address issues they are likely to encounter as helping professionals.