Negotiated Coercion: Thoughts about Involuntary Treatment in Mental Health

Abstract

This article, written by a service user/mental health advocate and an academic/practitioner, explores the concept of ‘negotiated coercion’ as a way to frame involuntary treatment that acknowledges its coercive essence, yet advances suggestions to maximize negotiation with consumers.

Keywords:

• Coercion
• involuntary mental health

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John L. Owen

John Owen, MA, is a consumer advocate for people with mental illness in North Carolina. He has testified before the North Carolina General Assembly on the use of restraint and seclusion in mental health facilities. He has been a member of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Board for North Carolina and is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking. He writes fiction, poetry, and has also written the memoir of his treatment

Melissa Floyd

Melissa Floyd, PhD, LCSW, is an associate professor of social work at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She completed her doctoral work at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2002. Throughout her practice career she has worked in direct service settings, primarily with persons who have serious mental illness, substance abuse issues, or both