John Q. Hodges

Promoting Healthy Organizational Partnerships and Collaboration Between Consumer-run and Community Mental Health Agencies

Community mental health agencies (CMHAs) and consumer-run agencies (CRAs) both provide critically important services to persons with severe psychiatric disabilities. Emerging research has begun to support the effectiveness of the CRA approach, a newer service delivery mechanism. However, collaboration between the two service systems, when it occurs, is often problematic. This article briefly identifies the core features of CRAs, discusses their potential for collaboration with CMHAs, and suggests ways to promote healthy organizational partnerships between the two based upon the model proposed by Gidron and Hasenfeld [(1994) Nonprofit Management & Leadership, 5(2), 159–172]. Salient collaboration theories are reviewed and barriers to collaboration are discussed. Finally, implications for mental health practice and future research directions are identified.

Professional Differences in Attitudes Toward and Utilization of Psychiatric Recovery

This article examines mental health provider attitudes toward and utilization of psychiatric recovery concepts in practice settings. Comparisons are made between providers from three major professional disciplines (social work, psychology, and psychiatry) surveyed using a national random sample (N = 301). Findings indicate that although there is familiarity with recovery-based principles among providers, and high reported belief in the recovery model, actual utilization of recovery content in practice settings remains mixed. Significant differences between disciplines suggest that psychologists may be less familiar with the recovery model, less likely to see it as a feasible approach for their caseloads, and less likely to emphasize it as a primary goal when working with consumers. Implications for practitioners, policymakers, and planners are provided.

Predictors of Hope Among Members of Mental Health Self-Help Agencies

Abstract Hope is a key construct for successful community adjustment among those with severe mental illnesses, particularly given the strengths-based recovery model increasingly prevalent in mental health services and in social work. Consumer-run mental health self-help agencies (SHAs) are well suited to fostering hope via their supportive program environments. This study examines factors associated with hope among members of four self-help agencies via a two-stage least squares regression model (N =310). Findings provide evidence of both individual and program-level associations with hope. These findings mirror social work ethical values of focusing on consumer strengths and self-determination, which are primary goals of SHAs.

Rural and Urban Differences Among Mental Health Consumers in One Midwestern State

Abstract This study examines differences in rural and urban mental health service utilization and service satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather information from a sample of 311 mental health consumers regarding their use of services relative to accessibility, availability, affordability, and acceptability. Data were collected from respondents individually or in small groups in various locations in one Midwestern state. Study findings showed that rural consumers are aware of fewer services, use fewer services, and are less satisfied with services than are urban consumers. Implications for rural mental health policy, practice, and future research are discussed.

What Do Social Workers Need to Know About Mental Health Courts

Abstract Mental health courts are an emerging strategy to engage mentally ill offenders in treatment and to avoid unnecessary incarceration. These courts began in 1997 based upon the drug court model; there are currently over 70 courts nationwide. These courts are heterogeneous in structure, work with interdisciplinary teams, and seek to engage the consumer in treatment rather than use judicial sanctions. Social workers are integral members of these teams; yet, no research has been published in social work journals on mental health courts. This article explains the background and context of the courts, describes their features, discusses what social workers need to know about mental health courts, and concludes with ideas for how social workers may work effectively with mental health courts.

Mental health consumer-run programs: Awareness and attitudes of social work educators

ABSTRACT Consumer-run programs (CRPs) are prevalent and evidence shows that they provide effective services to those with severe mental illnesses. Despite this, low levels of awareness of and negative attitudes toward CRPs persist on the part of professionals. Since mental health educators train these professionals, we explored their attitudes and awareness, with the idea that educators may pass their biases on to students. In addition to CRP awareness and attitudes, another goal of this study was to determine to what extent consumer content is being included in curricula. A survey research design was used to explore these questions among faculty members nationwide. Findings show positive attitudes and high levels of awareness among faculty in social work, but low levels of inclusion of consumer content in mental health courses. Several findings contradict expectation and need further exploration.