Providers

In the past 10 to 20 years, there has been a fundamental change in the way mental illnesses are viewed and treated. Simply put, we now know that people can improve and recover from even the most serious mental illnesses. Also, we know that people recover better when their treatment is focused on meeting their individual needs

Mental health professionals and other health care providers are in a unique position to impact the lives of people with mental illnesses. Because of their scientific knowledge and special relationship with mental health consumers, providers have a singular opportunity through their attitudes and practices to promote self-esteem, self-efficacy, decision making about treatment, illness self-management practices, and recovery.

This section will help care providers learn more about issues related to mental illnesses and the people who have them.