title: Linking between social workers and mental health mutual-aid groups.
abstract: A survey of 120 mental health social workers inquired about their interactions with four mental health mutual-aid groups in Chicago. Fifty-six percent of the sample referred to one or more of the four groups but only 26% performed linking activities other than referral. The results indicated that, while theoretically positive about mutual-help groups in general, many of the social workers did not refer clients to the mental health groups, particularly those that were more therapeutically focused. The linking roles they recommended were directive, rather than egalitarian. Recommendations for practice are offered.
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Social Work, Indianapolis 46223.
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Kurtz
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chambon
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric