Journal of Sociology and Social Work

Self-Help Services In Mental Health: Do They Help?
John Q. Hodges

Abstract
Self-help services have become increasingly prevalent in mental health; consumers now deliver many services once provided by professional mental health providers. This exploratory study examines differences among 311 consumers of professional mental health services, half of whom also used self-help services. The two groups (self-help compared to non self-help) were compared on a number of dimensions related to their utilization of and satisfaction with professional mental health services. Users of self-help services perceived greater availability of professional services and used more professional services, but found professional services to be less useful than those not participating in self-help. No differences between the two groups were found for overall satisfaction with professional services. Findings related to policy, practice, and research are discussed.

Full Text: PDF