The commonly reported underrepresentation of immigrant groups in the psychiatric service system does not appear to be due to greater discontinuation of contact with services. If the assumption of equal community prevalence of disorder is made, then the observed under-representation may be due to differential rates of access to (that is, initial contact with) psychiatric services.

A clinical service and a community-managed service have collaborated to deliver a service supporting people with severe and enduring mental illness and complex needs. This study aims to evaluate the recovery-orientation of the service by means of a consumer-led program evaluation utilising validated measures and qualitative interviews. The Recovery Self-Assessment (RSA) and the Recovery Enhancing Environment measure (REE) indicated that the things done well included goal setting and monitoring, practical assistance and encouragement. Things to improve were access to records; variety in treatment options; contributing to advisory boards; and support regarding sexuality, spirituality and relationships. Consumers interviewed peer-to-peer actively engaged with the evaluation.

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