Background Mental illness is common among the Swedish population and is also seen as a public health problem. People with mental illness are often in the need of help and support from multiple human service organizations. The social services have the ultimate responsibility to make sure that these needs are being satisfied, but to be able to do that they have to collaborate with other organizations. A lack of collaboration can result in a deterioration in working conditions for the professionals and also affect the individuals' health in a negative way.

Aim The aim of the study was to examine how social workers experience collaboration around people with mental illness.

Method A qualitative empirical study was carried out, including six completed interviews whereof five were analyzed with a qualitative content analysis.

Results The participants expressed the exchange of information and experiences, having a positive approach and good relations between the different organizations as opportunities in collaboration. Lack of time and staff, insufficient communication and unclear division of responsibilities were seen as obstacles in collaboration. These opportunities and obstacles resulted in the overall theme a will to work together despite adversities.

Conclusion Collaboration is of big importance but is made difficult because of obstacles such as lack of communication and resources. Collaboration can have a big effect on the individuals´ health and on the workplace environment of the social worker.