The value of social support networks informal networks that can help people to cope with crises and change has been extensively documented. Community ties can enable older people to stay at home, promote medical rehabilitation, counteract job stress and facilitate treatment of the mentally ill. Social Support Strategies describes current research findings about social support, and translate them into down-to-earth guidelines for practitioners. Gottlieb explains how to: (a) assess clients' social resources; (b) mobilize social support on behalf of vulnerable clients; (c) evaluate the effectiveness of informal helping arrangements. He also discusses different forms of social support, opportunities for blending lay and professional resources, and the treated with realistic examples of clinical and preventive interventions, Social Support Strategies will be a valuable resources for professionals, researchers and students in community mental health, psychology, social work, gerontology and related fields.