Consumers providing direct services at mental health centers contribute positive qualities to the service delivery system; however, there are few instructional programs to prepare consumers for these roles. Of the few consumer-provider training programs that exist, those conducting research have focused on employment and hospitalization outcomes. No program has researched changes in students' perceptions of subjective well-being. Research with students in the Kansas Consumer as Provider (CAP) training program found significant differences in students' perception of hope, self-esteem, and recovery after the training program.

The hiring of consumers as providers of mental health services has steadily increased over the last decade. This article, based on the literature and two round table discussions, explores three prevalent barriers (i.e., dual relationships, role conflict, and confidentiality) and proposes alternative solutions to each.

Despite increased attention to consumer-providers, there remains a lack of models that prepare, support, and sustain consumers in provider roles. This article describes the Consumer as Provider (CAP) Training program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, which creates opportunities for individuals with severe psychiatric disabilities to develop knowledge and skills to be effective as human service providers. CAP fosters a partnership between colleges and community mental health centers where students experience classroom and internship activities. Outcome from a 2-year longitudinal study on CAP graduates indicates increased employability, especially in social services field, and higher post-secondary educational involvement.

Results suggest that CAP graduates can and do provide valuable mental health services to other consumers.