Position Statement 11: In Support of Recovery-Based Systems Transformation
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Policy
The Mental Health America envisions a just, humane and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice. Consistent with this philosophy, Mental Health America supports and promotes mental health services and systems that facilitate recovery among individuals with mental illness. Mental Health America believes mental health systems transformation will occur only when all stakeholders view recovery as the primary goal.
Mental Health America is committed to the notion that every individual with a mental illness can recover. Individuals must define for themselves what recovery means to them. For some it may mean achieving personal goals to live a fulfilling and productive life and for others it may mean effectively managing the effects of their illness. For an individual to engage in the recovery process, it is important that she or he possess hope that recovery is possible, have choices regarding community-based services and supports, have access to resources that allow for basic needs to be met such as food, clothing and housing and have a strong community network. Such a network can include but is not limited to friends, family and faith-based organizations.
Background
Mental Health America was established in 1909 by former psychiatric patient Clifford W. Beers. During his stays in public and private institutions, Beers witnessed and was subjected to horrible abuse. From these experiences, Beers set into motion a reform movement that took shape as the Mental Health America. The efforts of Beers and other early pioneers of this movement set a course for a future where recovery is the expected outcome from mental illness.
In July 2003, the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health issued its report, "Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America". An overarching recommendation in the report was that services and treatments for persons with psychiatric disabilities must be recovery-oriented and consumer-driven.
On December 16-17, 2004, the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) convened a National Consensus Conference on Mental Health Recovery and Systems Transformation. Over 110 consumers, family members, providers, researchers, advocates, State and local mental health authorities, Federal partners and others met to develop a consensus statement on mental health recovery.
The resulting statement, which is still in draft form, it identified the key elements of recovery as follows:
- Self-direction;
- Individualized and person-centered;
- Empowerment;
- Holistic;
- Non-linear;
- Strengths-based;
- Peer support;
- Respect;
- Responsibility; and
- Hope.
Mental Health America agrees that each of the tenets above should be incorporated into mental health systems transformation, at both the individual and systems levels.
Call to Action
Mental Health America supports consumers to
- Understand their illness and that recovery is possible;
- Explore treatment options and supports that match their desires, goals and strengths; and
- Participate in peer support programs and explore leadership roles that can help others recover.
Mental Health America calls on public mental health systems and policy-makers to:
- Incorporate the principles of recovery-based care into the mission and day-to-day activities of local, state and federal mental health departments and agencies;
- Invest in evidence-based and emerging practices that are community-based and consumer/family-driven; and
- Ensure that consumers have meaningful involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of mental health service systems.
Mental Health America encourages mental health advocates to:
- Educate decision makers that recovery is possible and is the expected outcome of proper treatment and supports;
- Correct misinformation reported in the media with positive, factual, and prompt responses expressed with the dignity we demand for those who suffer from a mental illness;
- Promote policies which are consistent with the recovery philosophy; and
- Identify opportunities for consumers to have meaningful involvement in advocacy efforts in addition to the planning, delivery and evaluation of mental health services.
Mental Health America encourages mental health practitioners to
- Utilize a strengths-based, individualized, recovery-oriented approach for all clients;
- Encourage and guide clients to an active role in leading their own recovery; and
- See individuals as whole human beings, not just as their illness.
Mental Health America urges the media to:
- Learn the facts about mental illness;
- Report upon and portray mental illnesses with appropriate sensitivity; and
- Recognize that stigmatizing language and attitudes prevent effective treatment of mental illnesses.
Effective PeriodThe Mental Health America Board of Directors adopted this policy on December 10, 2005. It will remain in effect for a period of five (5) years and is reviewed as required by the Mental Health America Public Policy Committee Expiration: December 31, 2010 |
Page last updated: 09/20/2007