Promoting Recovery and Opportunity through Mentoring, Insight, Support & Education

Research Project

Overview
Recovery University trainings serve a dual purpose: the first is to provide information and education about the Recovery Model; the second is to conduct research on the impact of utilizing the Recovery Model on mental wellness. To do so, Mecklenburg's PROMISE has partnered with UNC Charlotte’s Social Work department. A random sample of 150 individuals receiving mental health services was selected to participate in the research project. Those participants interested in being a part of the research, completed standardized recovery assessment questionnaires, attended the Recovery training series, and will complete a post test questionnaire.

Design
Purpose/Hypothesis
The goal of this research project is to transform the existing mental health system from a Traditional/Medical Model of service provision, to the Recovery Model of support and empowerment. The objective is to ultimately strengthen the mental health system for adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and serious mental illness (SMI) and to enhance the quality of programs and services.

Key objectives of this goal are:

  1. To implement community-wide training and support resources in mental health Recovery for mental health service recipients, their families, and service providers.
  2. To implement curriculum that includes enhanced programming in psychoeducational training, illness self management and peer support.
  3. To analyze outcome data relative to change in knowledge level about Recovery.
  4. To develop effective strategies for expanding this research across additional community agencies throughout Mecklenburg County.

Hypothesis A:

“Agency experts,” service providers and consumers who participate in the Community Mental health Recovery Collaborative will have increased knowledge of the Mental Health Recovery Model.

Hypothesis B:

If the community implements a true Mental Health Recovery Model, we will have profound positive impact on consumers’ well-being, personal recovery, and the perception of the overall recovery environment.