Date of Conferral

1-7-2026

Date of Award

1-7-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisor

Dr. Curtis Davis

Abstract

Inadequate mental health support, particularly from social workers, disproportionately affects middle-class single Black mothers. Prior studies have examined low-income single mothers’ access to mental health care and the potential of teletherapy as a tool for improving access; however, few have explored how middle-class single Black mothers navigate mental health challenges. Further, there is a lack of research on social workers’ perspectives of using teletherapy to foster resilience among middle-class single Black mothers. This is a critical gap, as social workers play a key role in tailoring mental health interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore social workers’ perspectives of using teletherapy to support resilience among middle-class single Black mothers. This study was grounded in resilience theory and critical race theory. The research questions explored social workers’ perspectives of the effectiveness of teletherapy and teletherapy based strategies that are most effective. A generic qualitative methodology was employed using semistructured interviews with 11 clinicians. Clinicians’ perceptions revealed that teletherapy may foster resilience by enhancing access to mental health support, promoting comfort, sharing of feelings during sessions, and reducing common stressors associated with traditional in-person therapy. Also, teletherapy may support continuous engagement in care, which could strengthen coping skills, emotion regulation, and protective factors. Perceptions further revealed that adaptive functioning may be most effective when clinicians employ culturally competent strategies and clinical interventions that could promote positive social change by honoring mothers’ cultural identities, spiritual beliefs, and lived experiences.

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