Mental health leadership perspectives on self-direction. Issue 4 (4th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Croft, Bevin; Simon-Rusinowitz, Lori; Loughlin, Dawn M; Mahoney, Kevin J.
• Is Part Of: Social work in mental health. Volume 16:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 381
• Page End: 399
• Publication Date: 2018-07-04
• Subjects: Financing -- mental health leadership -- self-directed care -- self-direction -- state and county behavioral health departments; Psychiatric social work -- Periodicals; 362.2042505
• DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2017.1395783
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-2985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Self-direction is a model for organizing services and support in which the service user is at the center of an individualized budgeting and planning process. Mental health program directors are key in self-direction's adoption and implementation, and understanding their views is critical. Using a descriptive cross-sectional study, the researchers in this current study used a survey ( n = 46) and interviews ( n = 17) to gauge expectations for self-direction and to identify barriers and facilitators for adoption and implementation. Respondents evinced strong interest in self-direction and endorsed its potential to support well-being and improve mental health service quality. Respondents also voiced concerns, including competing agency priorities, provider resistance, and administrative challenges.