title: Referral to consumer-run programs by mental health providers: a national survey.
abstract: This study describes mental health providers' awareness of, attitudes toward, and likelihood to refer to consumer-run programs. A mail survey method was used with a total of 301 questionnaires returned (33.5% response rate) from a national random sample. Findings suggest that providers believe consumers are able to provide effective mental health services, yet have less confidence in consumer-run programs. Slightly over half of the providers were aware of consumer-run programs and fewer had made referrals. Providers in non-public settings, agencies that hire consumers as providers, and agencies that collaborate with consumer-run programs were more likely to have made referrals. To maximize available community supports for service recipients, providers should consider newer, consumer-run service technologies.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, State University of New York, 135 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12222, USA. hardiman@albany.edu
authors.forename: Eric R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Hardiman
mesh_terms: D003155:Community Mental Health Centers; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D014481:United States