Whose Treatment is it Anyway? The Role of Consumer Preferences in Mental Health Care

Abstract

This article reports on an original research study about consumer attitudes toward and preferences about their mental health care. It provides empirical findings that demonstrate that deriving information directly from consumers of mental health services offers an important perspective on what services and interventions are necessary to promote psychosocial rehabilitation. Drawing on a research study of self-perception of needs among a sample of 133 consumers diagnosed with serious mental illness and who have been discharged to the community, the findings suggest that consumers view their lives holistically and complexly with an equal concern for their social as well as clinical needs. Engraining consumers as partners in planning treatment is essential if relevant services are to be provided.

Keywords:

• Consumers
• Self-perception of need
• Serious mental illness