This text equips future mental health practitioners with a model and theory for case management with those with mental illness. The author helps readers feel more competent working with the these clients, giving readers skills that establish and sustain clinical relationships over months or years. The author provides intervention techniques for clients with a variety of mental illnesses (including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, schizotypal personality, paranoid ideation).

This text differs from other texts by applying the theory of symbolic interactionism, emphasizing the need for establishing a productive relationship with clients as a prerequisite to any other intervention.