Emerging opportunities for psychologists: Joining consumers in the recovery-oriented care movement.

Abstract

A transformation is occurring in mental health services throughout the country that presents opportunities for both seasoned and aspiring psychologists. This paper draws on the experiences of (a) a VA staff psychologist, (b) a psychology postdoctoral fellow, (c) a director of clinical training (and clinicalcommunity psychologist) at an APA-accredited doctoral training program, and (d) a psychologist who leads the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Section of the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Mental Health Services. We illustrate: (1) Opportunities for psychologists that exist within recovery-oriented systems; (2) How psychologists' skills and training put them in a unique position to be leaders within mental health recovery-oriented systems of care; and (3) Specific recommendations for psychologists to prepare them for roles in a recovery-oriented system of care. We believe that a new dawn has arrived, and interested psychologists are well-suited to be key agents of change and leaders in emerging best practices in mental health care.

How recovery oriented are mental health services in Hong Kong? Snapshots of service users' perspectives

“…Some of the earliest works on recovery were written by pioneers who have firsthand experience of mental illness (Coleman, 1999;Deegan, 1988;O'Hagan, 1996) and these captured the attention of those outside the field, such as academics and policymakers. In Hong Kong, unlike western countries (Cohen et al, 2012;Jacobson & Curtis, 2000), the notion of recovery remains predominantly promoted and interpreted by health professionals or academics, suggesting that a distinctive figure or a strong voice from the users' community has yet to be found in Hong Kong: someone who could act as an advocate for those affected by mental illness. This implies that health professionals as well as academics should tread steadily but also lightly in this emerging recovery movement in Hong Kong, so as not to drown out the voices of service users (Tse, Cheung, Kan, Ng, & Yau, 2012).…”

“…Most of the literature that reviews recovery movements originates from the US or the UK (Cohen, Abraham, Burk, & Stein, 2012;Myers, 2010;Slade, Adams, & O'Hagan, 2012). Some of the earliest works on recovery were written by pioneers who have firsthand experience of mental illness (Coleman, 1999;Deegan, 1988;O'Hagan, 1996) and these captured the attention of those outside the field, such as academics and policymakers.…”

“There Needs to be a Place in Society for Madness”

“…It is important to note that there have been some changes in the discourse and presence of recovery-oriented services within the mental health system (Anthony, 1993; Bailey, 1997; Blanch, Fischer, Tucker, Walsh, & Chassman, 1993; Clarke, Oades, & Crowe, 2012; Cohen, Abraham, Burk, & Stein, 2012; Davidson & Roe, 2007; Mead & Copeland, 2000). Such a paradigm shift was largely influenced by the consumer movement’s increasing presence and voice within the mental health system, including more paid positions for patient-advocates and peer supporters in hospitals and community mental health agencies.…”

Postdoctoral psychology training in preparation for specialization in serious mental illness.

“…One epidemiological study reported that only 15% of all individuals with SMI were receiving minimally adequate treatment (Wang, Demler, & Kessler, 2002). As such, it has increasingly been recognized that psychology trainees and psychologists require specialized training to provide adequate treatment for those with SMI (Carr, Bhagwat, Miller, & Ponce, 2014; Chu et al, 2012; Cohen, Abraham, Burk, & Stein, 2012; Corrigan, Steiner, McCracken, Blaser, & Barr, 2001; Hargrove, 1990; Hoge, Stayner, & Davidson, 2000; Lefley, 1990; Miller, Carr, Utter, Styron, & Steiner, 2017; Mueser, Silverstein, & Farkas, 2013; Roe, Yanos, & Lysaker, 2006). To bridge this gap, in 2014 the APA released a free curriculum for psychologists and other mental health professionals working with individuals with SMI (APA & Jansen, 2014).…”