The mental health consumer movement: implications for rural practice

Developing consumer-oriented programs for rural areas presents a major challenge for practitioners and policy makers. The mental health consumer movement, a successful urban creation, has yet to fully impact rural practice and be of benefit to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Rural mental health professionals face unique challenges and opportunities in utilizing rural strengths to foster consumer participation in the design and implementation of service delivery. The authors address the unique barriers facing rural communities and propose a self-help model as a service delivery alternative.