Mary Ellen Richmond

About the Author

Mary Ellen Richmond (1861-1928) was a pioneering social worker and theorist whose groundbreaking contributions shaped the field of professional social work in the early 20th century. Born in Illinois, she overcame personal hardships to become a leading advocate for systematic approaches to helping the vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual and environmental factors in social problems. Richmond's innovative methods, including the use of casework and social investigation, laid the foundation for modern social services. Her seminal book, Social Diagnosis, published in 1917, introduced a scientific framework for assessing client needs and intervening effectively, influencing generations of practitioners and policymakers committed to social justice and reform.