Consumer directed mental health agencies and the role of advocacy

Mental health consumers have assumed a new set of roles as the mental health system in the United States has evolved from an institutional model to one which relies on the local community for services. Among their roles in this new service system, consumers have taken on the roles of advocate, peer supporter and very often provider of services. Consumer Directed Programs ( CDP ) for mental health have developed across the country that provide mental health services through traditional and non-traditional practitioners, through consumer managed housing, and by providing meals. In addition, these organizations are employers for consumers and non-consumers. Advocacy for other consumers is a primary mission of these organizations. Objective: This presentation will report on data on the types of advocacy oriented interventions provided by over 50 CDP's in New York State. Intervention descriptions included in the presentation will be information on the nature and type of interventions provided, as well as a assessment as to the number of consumers served,types of agencies and organizations involved ,as well as the impact that these advocacy activities have on quality of life issues such as health , safe housing and economic self sufficiency. Finally, the presenters will report on strategies to assess the ongoing impact of these interventions as well as the development and evolution of new interventions that emerged from this assessment.