title: A model of consumer-provider partnership: Vet-to-Vet.
abstract: Recently, there has been increased interest in consumer-provided mental health services. Two models have been proposed: One emphasizing full independence from professional services, and one in which consumers work within the mental health system. In this paper we describe Vet-to-Vet, a consumer-professional partnership model in which consumer services are embedded in a mental health system. We describe the advantages of this approach and barriers to implementation of other models. Vet-to-Vet has several unique elements, developed and implemented by consumers with professional consultation and supervision. We believe that consumer-partnership models of consumer-provided mental health services have potential for minimizing implementation barriers and for maximizing long-term sustainability.
authors.affiliation: Northeast Program Evaluation Center, New England Mirecc, USA. sandy.resnick@yale.edu
authors.forename: Sandra G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Resnick
authors.forename: Moe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sperrazza
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harkness
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rosenheck
mesh_terms: D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010358:Patient Participation; D010379:Peer Group; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*