Recovery

A New Model for Veterans Affairs Mental Health Programs

The President’s New Freedom Commission Vision Statement

We envision a future when everyone with a mental illness will recover, a future when mental illnesses can be prevented or cured, a future when everyone with a mental illness at any stage of life has access to effective treatment and supports-essentials for living, working, learning, and participating fully in the community.

Ok, but what is it exactly?

There is no universally accepted definition of recovery or the recovery model. However, the following is a representative definition. “ Mental health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation for a person with a mental health condition to be able to live fulfilling and meaningful life in communities of his or her choice while striving towards personal goals”.

HOW DO WE MOVE FROM THE MEDICAL MODEL OF…….

• • • • • • Treating illnesses Provider directed care Problem-Symptom based Focused on symptom reduction The ability to encourage dependence upon the system Medication being the main way to achieve symptom reduction • Stigmatizing--with the ability to discourage hope about the future TO

THE RECOVERY ORIENTED CARE MODEL WHICH….

• • • • • • • • • Engages veterans in proactively managing their own responses to symptoms Determines veterans goals and offers information choices to achieve them Uses Evidenced Based Practices to support goal attainment Encourages hope for the future Promotes veterans as partners in care Is augmented by peer support Encourages human experiences Is strengths-based Promotes choice

Fundamental Elements and Guiding Principles

• • • • • Hope Self-direction Individualized Empowerment Responsibility • • • • • Holistic Non Linear Strengths Based Peer Support Respect

Non-Linear

Recovery is not a step by step process but one based on continual growth, occasional setbacks, and learning from these experiences. Growth can occur in different areas of one’s life at different times.

What do Recovery Oriented Mental Health Services Look Like?

According to SAMHSA and others, recovery oriented mental health services hold as a core value that people with mental illnesses are not defined by their illness and can live rich satisfying lives.

Such Programs and Services…

• • • • • View the veteran as the center of the process, and foster empowerment. Respect and include the veteran and involved family members as partners in treatment/services .

Recognize that recovery is a dynamic process that the veteran pursues over time. Seek to restore hope and return to functioning Value self help and peer support • • • Work to maximize quality of life Help the veteran to move forward toward his/her goals, not focusing on only symptom stabilization. Employ staff who treat the veteran with respect, believe in the veteran as a person with potential, and express hope and optimism for the recovery process.

How are we doing this?

• • • We are now required to ask about family member involvement upon every admission and at least once a year for out-patients. We must document the name and contact numbers for family members and/or friends that the veteran identifies as someone he/she wants involved in their treatment. If the veteran doesn’t identify any one, we must document that the question was asked.

Support and Family Education (SAFE)

• • • • Please fill out the survey!!!!!

This is a program that has 18 workshops organized around four categories Information about disorders Skills for family members The experience of caring for someone with a serious mental illness Dealing with family, friends, and professionals

Goals of SAFE

• • • To teach family members and friends of individuals with mental illness about the symptoms and course of mental illness. To afford family members an opportunity to ask questions about psychiatric disorders and treatment options.

To reduce the stigma of mental illness by providing a forum in which to discuss concerns and obtain support from peers.

Goals continued

• • • To publicize the availability of mental health services at the VA Medical Center.

To help family members understand the importance of early intervention for their loved one as well as open and timely communication with providers.

To link family members with opportunities for support both at the medical centers and through community agencies such as NAMI.