Mental Health Consumer Service Preferences and Professional Plannnig

Abstract

The purpose of this survery was to update the state mental health planning process with representative input from mental health consumer with severe mental illness. This update is necessitated by national research and legislation which questions the traditional planning process and service array that were considered the state-of-the-art only ten years ago. Consumer service preferences of perceived needs were obtained through personal interviews conducted with consumers in six geographic service areas throughout the State of Alaska, including the State hospital. The results are discussed in contrast to the current goals developed by mental health professional in the State mental health plan. The results support the need to continue the traditional array of residential services, and to amend the State plan to increase the emphasis to assist consumers to succeed in independent living and to individualize support services.