Journal Facts

Journal
International Journal of Self-Help and Self-Care
ISSN
1091-2851 (print) 1541-4450 (electronic)
Volume
4
Issue
3
Date
1/1/2005

Article Facts

Title
Member Characteristics of Consumer Run Organizations and Service Utilization Patterns
DOI
10.2190/SH.4.3.d
Authors
  • Todd Shagott
  • Chi Vu
  • Crystal Reinhart
  • Scott Wituk
  • Greg Meissen
Pages
221-238
Online Date
05/22/2009

Article Links

Member Characteristics of Consumer Run Organizations and Service Utilization Patterns

Todd Shagott
Chi Vu
Crystal Reinhart
Scott Wituk
Greg Meissen

DOI: 10.2190/SH.4.3.d

Abstract

The present study examines the member characteristics of consumer-run organizations (CRO), nonprofit mutual help organizations staffed by mental health consumers. Members reported significantly higher levels of use of physical health services than psychological services. Twenty percent of members identified their CRO as their only means of psychological support. CRO members were more racially/ethnically diverse than mental health consumers in traditional settings indicating that CROs are attractive to minorities which are often underrepresented in receiving mental health services. CRO members' social networks were heavily composed of other CRO members, with church friends and family members also well represented. CRO membership may provide a social network effectively oriented toward recovery and community integration.

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