Miriam Elson, a renowned clinical social worker, scholar, educator and writer on the use of psychoanalysis in social work, died May 6 at her Hyde Park home at the age of 99.

Elson, who served from 1980 to 1994 as a lecturer at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration, played an important role in establishing the field of clinical social work and the acceptance of social workers as equals with psychiatrists and psychologists who practice psychotherapy.

"Miriam Elson was a person of deep humanity and keen intelligence whose important work gave shape to the field of clinical social work practice," said Jeanne Marsh, Dean of the School of Social Service Administration.

Elson developed a model field placement program for the Illinois Children's Home and Aid Society and was instrumental in developing the Student Mental Health Clinic at the University of Chicago, where she served as chief psychiatric social worker for more than 20 years.

As field work assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and lecturer in the School of Social Service Administration, she influenced scores of students who drew from the empathy and caring that she conveyed in the classroom as a model for their work. She participated in countless lectures, workshops, institutes and panels across the country and authored many articles, book chapters and book reviews in her field.

Her classic books, Self Psychology in Clinical Social Work and The Kohut Seminars, introduced Heinz Kohut's idea of the "psychology of the self" to the field of clinical social work and made it applicable to social workers and other health professionals.

Elson was received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in 1930 and taught English in Lowell, Ind. before marrying in 1933. She received a master's degree in 1942 from the School of Social Service Administration.

A life fellow of the American Orthopsychiatric Association and a charter member of the National Association of Social Workers, she won the first Charlotte Toll Medal from the School of Social Service Administration in 1994, the year she retired from teaching. She received a Lifetime Contribution Award from the International Council for Self Psychology in 2000 and a Professional Achievement Award from the Alumni Association of the University of Chicago in 2006. She also received the Edith Abbott Award for Career Distinction, the highest alumni honor bestowed by the School of Social Service Administration.

The Alex and Miriam Elson Fellowship in the School of Social Service Administration honors the joint and complementary contributions of Elson and her late husband, who was a prominent lawyer and labor arbitrator.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Jacova Elson Miller. She is survived by a daughter, Karen Elson O'Neil, five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Services will be 1 p.m. June 28th at KAM Isaiah Israel, 1100 E. Hyde Park Blvd.

Donations in memory of Elson may be made to the Alex and Miriam Elson Fellowship in the School of Social Service Administration.