Transition-Age Children With Mental Illness: Hearing the Voices of Mothers

Members of a local NAMI organization were surveyed in order to explore the perspectives of mothers of transitional age (18-25) children diagnosed with mental illness. Social workers in a diversity of mental health care settings can use this information to improve competence with this population. Results indicate a dynamic shift in the mothering role during this time period. Findings also suggest mothers and their transition-age children need emotional and practical support from social workers and other mental health professionals.