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Self-help groups viewed by mental health professionals: a survey and comments
American Journal of Community Psychology
|August 1, 1978
Summary
Mental health facilities view self-help groups favorably, recognizing their potential role in care. However, few agencies actively explore integrating services with these groups.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Services Research
- Community Psychology
- Healthcare System Integration
Background:
- Self-help groups offer valuable support within mental health care.
- Understanding the integration of self-help groups into formal mental health systems is crucial.
- National perspectives on the utilization and evaluation of these groups are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey outpatient mental health facilities on their use and evaluation of self-help groups.
- To assess perceptions of self-help group effectiveness and potential roles in mental health delivery.
- To gauge facility interest in integrating services with self-help organizations.
Main Methods:
- National survey of outpatient mental health facilities.
- Data collection on referral practices with self-help groups.
- Assessment of facility evaluations and perceived roles of self-help groups.
Main Results:
- Favorable evaluations of self-help group effectiveness were common.
- Respondents generally acknowledged the potential role of self-help groups in mental health.
- A low percentage (30.7%) expressed high interest in agency integration with self-help groups.
Conclusions:
- Self-help groups are viewed positively by mental health facilities regarding effectiveness.
- Despite positive perceptions, significant barriers exist to formal service integration.
- Further research and initiatives are needed to bridge the gap between formal mental health services and self-help groups.