Making the Transition: Supportive Relationships,
Illness Identity and Service Use

Study Details

Making the Transition, also known locally in Cleveland as the "got moods" study, is a two-year research study examining the supportive relationships, service use transitions and illness experiences of one hundred, 18 to 25 year olds, with histories that include a mood disorder diagnosis, public Medicaid mental health service use and use of at least one additional public service during childhood.

Making the Transition is partnering with Drs. Lionel Scott, Jr. from Georgia State University School of Social Work and Renee Spencer from Boston University School of Social Work, along with over ten local agencies and institutions serving young adults. Most importantly, we are partnering with the young adults themselves to understand the realities of moving into more independent adulthood with histories of mood disorders and reliance on public systems of care.

We began interviewing in October 2008 and look forward to discussing what we learn with the community. Please visit our web-site for periodic updates on the study.

Research Team

Michelle R. Munson, Ph.D., LMSW
HyunSoo Kim, MSW, MSSA
Susan Smalling, MSW