This paper examines psychological and social issues for single mothers in the context of therapeutic strategies for effective intervention. Never married, previously married, and Lesbian mothers are considered in terms of sociocultural myths and sources of stigma; research findings related to these myths; and interventions targeting the single-mother family, the community, and governmental policies that influence legislation affecting these families. Sources of societal stigma are discussed which are related to morality, sex-role violation, and victimization. Dispelling myths related to these areas requires careful consideration of the major sources of stress impinging on these families: economic stress, social isolation, and role-strain. It is suggested that mental health interventions treat these families in the context of the massive effects of poverty, societal oppression, and victimization. Therapeutic strategies that include only the psychological processes of the single mother will fail to address the larger context of her social situation and will further contribute to her victimization and despair. Interventions must be preventive, remediative, educative, and aimed at involving community resources. Therapists are encouraged to become knowledgeable about single mothers and the economic and legal issues facing them, and to take an active role as mediators and advocates. Research requirements discussed include increased attention to models of prevention and intervention into the factors that facilitate the strength and well-being of single-mother families. Forty references are included. (Author/ABL)