Consumer-operated self-help services.
To create a mental health system focused on recovery, consumer-operated services, for which an evidence base is emerging, should be promoted. Consumer-operated services have become a viable, cost-effective model designed to provide social support and recovery opportunities for people diagnosed with a psychiatric disability who are living in the community. This article describes the consumer-operated services model and uses a self-help center as an example. The core components of consumer-operated self-help centers are outlined. Qualitative data gathered through a larger study of self-help centers is presented. The article highlights the benefits of and areas for improving this innovative resource, which offers many advantages and opportunities for people living with a psychiatric disability in the community.
Swarbrick
Margaret
M
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Scotch Plains, USA. pswarbrick@cspnj.org
D003155:Community Mental Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D003256:Community Participation; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009515:New Jersey; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration; D012931:Social Environment; D014481:United States