Mission: The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR) will ensure that consumer/survivors have a major voice in the development and implementation of health care, mental health, and social policies at the state and national levels, empowering people to recover and lead a full life in the community.
Emotional CPR (eCPR) Participant Workbook
Now Available!
Emotional CPR, an NCMHR project, is a public health education program designed to teach people the skills to assist others through emotional crisis and regain a sense of hope and purpose in their lives. This workbook was developed for the eCPR certification training and provides a thoughtful discussion of the values of eCPR, the features of dialogue, and the primary components of eCPR: C = Connection, P = emPowering, and R = Revitalizing. Other sections include how to prepare oneself to provide eCPR as well as tips for self-care. The workbook is filled with inspiring quotes, real-life examples of embodying the practice of eCPR, sample instructions for role plays, and other exercises. The workbook is designed for anyone who may encounter a person in emotional crisis - law enforcement, mental health peers, mental health providers, family members, and others.
Will Hall Receives 2012 Judi Chamberlin Joy in Advocacy Award
Every year, NCMHR chooses an outstanding leader to receive the Judi Chamberlin Joy in Advocacy Award. Will Hall, MA, DiplPW, was chosen for his numerous contributions to the mental health recovery movement, including directing Portland Hearing Voices, six years of hosting Madness Radio, and his advocacy with the international Hearing Voices movement.
Spiro presents at Annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism
Lauren Spiro and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
at the
Annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism
held at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia September 10-11, 2012.
Lauren Spiro presented at the Symposium on lessons learned on her journey of recovery, as well as the National Coalition’s 2012 policy priorities and their Emotional CPR project. "It was an honor to be part of Carter Center’s effort to educate journalists about more accurately and positively portraying mental health in the media," said Spiro.
Several hundred people participated in the first Emotional CPR webinar on Feb. 16, 2012
NCMHR Visionary C/S/X Leadership Conference - Audio Recording Now Available!
Another lively and inspiring discussion took place this year, featuring Daniel Fisher, Susan Rogers and Wilma Townsend, and moderated by Keris Myrick. If you missed this annual NCMHR event, please click here to access the audio of the presentations.
NCMHR Members and Friends Rally for Real Medicaid Reform
On September 21, 2011 NCMHR and Washington, DC-area advocates participated in the Rally for Real Medicaid Reform, sponsored by a variety of cross-disability, aging, and civil rights groups. "It was an important opportunity to make our voices heard and stand up for a health care system that meets our real needs," said Lauren Spiro, NCMHR Director.
Health Care Reform: Challenges and Opportunities for Behavioral Health Care
Reform
Daniel Fisher and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
at the
25th Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy
held at The Carter Center in Atlanta Nov. 5-6, 2009.
More than 150 mental health advocates, policy-makers, practitioners,
educators, and researchers convened at the symposium to discuss “Health Care
Reform: Challenges and Opportunities for Behavioral Health Care Reform.” Dr.
Fisher presented on the topic of comparative effectiveness research in mental
health. He drew on personal lived experience as well as research carried out at
the NEC. He pointed out the importance of integrating persons' lived experience
into any research into recovery and wellbeing. He emphasized that participatory,
qualitative, action research is best suited to gathering evidence as to the most
effective means of assisting people to recover. For more information on the
symposium, please visit www.cartercenter.org.
Campaign for Mental Health Reform
At the Campaign for Mental Health Reform dinner, March 18, 2009 were: (L to R)
Dan Fisher, First Lady of Massachusetts Diane Patrick, Lauren Spiro, and First
Lady of Colorado Jeannie Lewis Ritter
On March18, 2009, the Campaign for Mental Health Reform held its annual dinner in
Washington, DC, to present awards to Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Representative
Pete Stark (D-CA) and the First Lady of Massachusetts, Diane Patrick, who has
been very honest about her battle to overcome depression. Many grateful words
and warm wishes for a speedy recovery were given to mental health and healthcare
champion Senator Edward Kennedy, who was receiving medical treatment in Florida
on this celebratory evening.
Speaking Up and Speaking Out for Mental Health in the Washington, DC
Metropolitan Region: A Call to Action
On September 16, 2008, NCMHCSO brought together 150 consumer/survivors,
advocates, providers, and administrators from Washington, DC, Maryland, and
Virginia whose collective knowledge and experience resulted in a report that
highlights 6 goals with recommendations to transform mental health care in the
DC Metropolitan region.
"It was inspiring to see so many people giving their voices towards transforming
not only mental health services but society itself." — Conference participant
Senator Tom Harkin, of Iowa, shares a special time
with Dan Fisher, Rachel Freund, and Lauren Spiro at the Presidential Forum in
Columbus Ohio, July 26, 2008.
This Forum featured the 2008 Presidential Candidates. John McCain and Senator
Harkin, who served as the surrogate for Barak Obama who was in the middle east,
presented their visions for the future of disability policy in America followed
by questions by Judy Woodruff (news anchor and journalist for "The News Hour
with Jim Lehrer". [Click here
to view the archived webcast of this historic event]
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Lauren Spiro (National Coalition Policy Director)
NATIONAL FORUM ON EQUALITY, OPPORTUNITY & ACCESS
On November 2, 2007, the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery, along with more than 20 other national disability rights organizations, co-hosted the Presidential Candidates’ Forum: A National Forum on Equality, Opportunity and Access, in Manchester, New Hampshire. This historic, day-long event featured presidential candidates speaking on disability issues and answering questions from the audience.
“You could feel the excitement in the auditorium on this historic day that brought together unprecedented numbers of cross-disability groups with most of the presidential candidates,” said Lauren Spiro, the National Coalition’s policy director.
“Ted Kennedy Jr. said, ‘We must end social and political isolation. It is not the disability but society’s perception that is the most disabling condition.’ ” The event was covered by television and was Webcast live.
Obama administration to launch mental health dialogue
The Obama administration is planning a national campaign to encourage the discussion of mental health issues in light of recent mass shootings.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Education Secretary Arne Duncan will lead the effort, which will begin within weeks, Sebelius said Tuesday.
"There is no question that the recent tragedy in Newtown broke the hearts of the nation," Sebelius told a medical conference in Washington, D.C. "But it also gives us an opportunity to address some important issues that have gone unaddressed for too long."
The administration called for the dialogue in its January recommendations on preventing gun violence. Four of President Obama's 23 executive actions on the issue addressed mental health.
The Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS) Team can assist you in your work through free training opportunities, telephone consultations, email resources, peer learning, webcasts, distance learning, and knowledge products. The BRSS TACS Team is a consortium, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), dedicated to promoting wide-scale adoption of recovery-oriented supports, services, and systems for people in recovery from substance use and/or mental health conditions. Click here to access the TA Request Form (Word Doc, 2 pages).
CARF International Endorses Emotional CPR
CARF International recommends eCPR as “a holistic, empowering approach to assisting persons served to cope with emotional crisis”. In their 2013 Behavioral Healthcare standards manual, it is included as an example under the training requirement for direct service providers. CARF is the largest behavioral healthcare accrediting organization in the world.
International Association of Chiefs of Police Recommends eCPR
eCPR was recommended by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). According to a recent report, “Law enforcement personnel who learn eCPR will be better equipped to efficiently and effectively resolve a crisis call involving people in emotional distress, thereby reducing potential escalation, harm, or injury. eCPR is recommended by the IACP as a way to enrich CIT curricula.”
"Free Your Mind Projects" Radio Show featuring Daniel B. Fisher on Gun Violence, Mental Health, and Emotional CPR
National Coalition Representing Individuals with Psychiatric Diagnoses Lauds President Obama’s Recommendations to Contain Gun Violence
WASHINGTON (1-17-2013) – The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR), a coalition of 32 statewide organizations representing individuals with mental health conditions, joins with other Americans to thank President Obama for taking bold and decisive action against the shocking escalation of gun violence in America.
NCMHR supports the President's statement that people labeled with mental illnesses are far more frequently the targets than the perpetrators of violence. “However,” said Daniel Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., a founder of NCMHR and himself diagnosed with schizophrenia, “we are concerned that several of the recommendations will increase the fear of, and discrimination against, individuals with mental health conditions. For example, expanded reporting of potential violence by mental health professionals to local authorities will inevitably result in people concealing information from their service providers, and deter people from voluntarily seeking mental health services." Click here to read the rest of the press release.
National Empowerment Center (NEC) Calls for Peer-delivered Community Services Instead of More Forced Treatment
"The best means to help people recover from mental health issues is by funding more voluntary, community-based services delivered by people who have ourselves recovered: people who relate mutually or peers. Peers uniquely connect with persons in distress in a non-stigmatizing, egalitarian manner because we have been through similar experiences. Peers operate respite centers, which are alternatives to more traumatic hospitalization, and work as wellness coaches in health centers to help integrate mental health and medical care. Peers also teach the public how to help each other through emotional distress by a peer-developed program called emotionalCPR (eCPR). Also peers are learning community-based, voluntary Open Dialogue treatment from Finland." Click to view Press Release
NCMHR Mourns the Newtown School Shooting, Calls for De-Linking Violence and Mental Health Issues
The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR) wishes to express deep sympathy for all the families of the victims of this unconscionable tragedy. Words cannot convey the horror of the senseless loss of so many innocent young lives. There is an understandable national outcry for answers, and demands for policy changes to prevent more of these kinds of violent outbreaks in our society. Yet simplistic calls for more “mental health” treatment for individuals ignore the complexity of the problems we face as a nation.
There is no evidence of increased violence among those with mental health issues. Rather, these tragedies are an outgrowth of a culture of violence in which guns are glorified in media and entertainment, and weapons are accessed with ease. In addition, we view these acts as inextricably linked to the unraveling of our social fabric and the disintegration of communities and families. We believe that social and health policy should be aimed at community-based, peer-run programs supporting providers, families, and communities to address trauma and to promote connected communities of support, tolerance, and understanding.
Please see the links below for more critical perspectives on the Newtown school shootings.
HHS announces formation of the new Administration for Community Living
All Americans – including people with disabilities and seniors – should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions. To help meet these needs, HHS created a new organization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) with the goal of increasing access to community supports and full participation, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities. More at www.hhs.gov/acl
Occupy the APA Is a Success!
By Susan Rogers, National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
On Saturday, May 5, 2012, more than 200 dedicated human rights activists, most of whom had firsthand experience with the mental health system, gathered inside Friends Center in Philadelphia to rally before marching to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. At the Convention Center, many activists ripped up their psychiatric labels while, inside, thousands of psychiatrists attended the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, where a key topic was the controversial proposed new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – the DSM-5 – due to be published in May 2013. Click here to read the entire article.
Coalition of Individuals with Psychiatric Labels Supports Protestors’ Efforts to “Occupy” the American Psychiatric Association Convention
WASHINGTON, DC (5/3/12) – The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR), a coalition comprising 32 statewide organizations of individuals in recovery from mental health conditions, supports an upcoming peaceful protest of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM), the controversial “bible” of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). On Saturday, May 5, 2012, as thousands of psychiatrists congregate in Philadelphia for the APA Annual Meeting, individuals with psychiatric labels and others will converge in a global campaign to oppose the APA’s proposed new edition, the DSM-5, scheduled for publication in May 2013. [ Read Press Release ]
Nationwide Survey of Peer-Run Organizations and Consumer-Operated Services is Underway
This study, being conducted by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, will contribute to information on the role peer-run organizations and consumer-operated services are playing in the mental health system and in our communities. The study will provide data for planning, reimbursement, and sustainability, and will be important for diffusing the peer-run model, and educating the government, the organizations, and advocates. It will also allow us to understand the challenges faced by peer-run organizations as the system changes and reforms are implemented. Participation by organizations in all states is necessary. Results will be shared with peers, advocates, and government agencies that support mental health. www.peersri.org/projects.html
NCMHR Accepting Nominations for At-Large Board Members
The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR) is accepting nominations until June 27 4pm EDT for at-large members of our board of directors. At-large board seats are designated to encourage board representation of a constituency that goes across the NCMHR six federal networking regions. Click here for more information and the nomination form (Word doc, 46KB, 4 pages).
Farewell to Carole Ann Glover
Advocates across the country are saddened by the sudden passing of the hurricane of hope, Carole Ann Glover, Executive Director of Meaningful Minds of Lousiana, and original NCMHR board member. Click to view words of praise (PDF, 220KB, 3 pages)
National Mental Health Coalition Calls
"Dr. Oz" Electroshock Show One-Sided
Coalition Recommends Balanced Coverage of Controversial Intervention
WASHINGTON, DC (1/26/12) - The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR) calls upon the producers of "The Dr. Oz Show" to provide balanced and truthful coverage of the risks of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in which grand mal seizures are electrically induced, usually to treat severe depression. "We are surprised that Dr. Oz would air such a one-sided show," says NCMHR director Lauren Spiro, "as ECT remains one of the most controversial psychiatric practices."
"Shock survivors" and many other mental health advocates assert that ECT's disabling effects - including permanent memory loss and cognitive deficits - outweigh possible benefits, and call for potential ECT recipients to be told the risks so they can make an informed choice.
National Coalition to work with SAMHSA on BRSS TACS
The National Coalition is pleased to be part of a large SAMHSA contract to support wide-spread adoption of recovery, recovery supports, recovery support services, and recovery-oriented systems of care across the United States". Click here to read more about this new TA Center (PDF, 398KB, 2 pages).
Forced Treatment Doesn’t Work
Here is an excerpt from the USA Today OpEd written by Joseph Rogers, executive director of the National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse:
Studies have shown that what works is not force but access to effective services. We don't need to change the laws to make it easier to lock people up; existing laws provide for that when warranted. Instead, we need to create and fund effective community-based mental health services and supports that would make it attractive for people to come in and receive care, and that would support them in their recovery. We also must end the discrimination that discourages people from seeking help. [Click here to access the USA Today OpEd] [Click here for a version with complete references]
Susan Rogers Receives the 2011 Judi Chamberlin Joy in Advocacy Award
Sally Zinman gave Susan Rogers the award at the 2011 National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery annual open meeting in Orlando, FL. The Judi Chamberlin Joy in Advocacy Award recognizes Judi's lifetime of joyful dedication to bringing hope into the lives of individuals labeled with mental illnesses around the world.
Summaries of Alternatives 2011 Wellness Workshops Now Online
National Coalition member organization P.E.E.R.S. has created summaries of some of the 2011 wellness-related workshops, as well as a synopsis of SAMHSA Administrator Pam Hyde's presentation.
NCMHR to Partner in New Technical Assistance Center
NCMHR will provide consumer input to the Center for Social Innovation, who was awarded the contract for the Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS)." The purpose of this project is to provide policy and practice analysis, as well as training and technical assistance, to States, providers, and systems to increase the adoption and implementation of recovery supports (e.g., peer-operated services, shared decision making, supported employment) for people with behavioral health problems. This project furthers efforts to address the needs of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. For more information, click here.
Alternative Care for Psychosis: Preventing Schizophrenia
Open Dialogue has achieved remarkable success helping people through extreme states labeled 'psychosis' and 'schizophrenia' while relying much less on medication and hospitalization.
National Coalition Mourns the Death of Senator
Edward M. Kennedy
Dan Fisher shares with Senator Kennedy how grateful the mental health community
was that the Senator has helped the recovery of consumers through his work on health care reform and parity.
They were at the Campaign for Mental Health Reform's Gala Dinner in Washington,
April 16, 2008.
WASHINGTON (8/26/09) – The National Coalition for Mental Health
Recovery (NCMHR) deeply mourns the death of Senator
Edward M. Kennedy, an ardent and lifelong champion of the rights of people with
disabilities and of all Americans.
Sen. Kennedy understood to his very core the importance of involving all
Americans – including people who are homeless, people living in poverty, people
with physical and/or psychiatric disabilities, [Click
to view press release...]
The Coalition received start-up funding from the Washington-based Public
Welfare Foundation. The Coalition office is located at 1101 15th Street, NW
#1212, Washington, DC 20005
For additional information, contact: Lauren Spiro, 877-246-9058 (Toll Free),
or send email via our contact form.
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Advocates across the country are saddened by the sudden passing of the hurricane of hope, Carole Ann Glover, Executive Director of Meaningful Minds of Lousiana, and original NCMHR board member. 
Forced Treatment Doesn’t Work
