The patient experience with the mental health system: a focus on integrated care solutions.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the benefits of working with a multidisciplinary team from the patient and family perspective.


CONCLUSIONS
According to patients and their families, stigma is the primary barrier hindering treatment for depression and is followed by a web of access to care, mental health parity, and medication issues. The Mental Health Integration program strives to eliminate these barriers by emphasizing consumer- or patient-driven treatment, family support, and community-based solutions.


CONCLUSIONS
Working with a recovery model--"You are not alone, treatment works, recovery is possible, and there is hope"--the National Alliance on Mental Illness brings the family and consumer voice into the Mental Health Integration program, with the intention of effecting more widespread impact.
Wittwer
Sherri D
SD
NAMI Utah, 450 South 900 East, Suite 160, Salt Lake City, UT, 84102, USA. sherriwittwer@msn.com
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011287:Prejudice