Linking Between Social Workers and Mental Health Mutual-Aid Groups

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.