The goal of this study was to examine how different types of participation in a consumer-run organization (CRO) are related to recovery. More specifically, this study uses structural equation modeling to examine the relative impact of empowering and socially supportive participation experiences on progress towards recovery among 250 CRO members from 20 CROs. An empowering participation experience refers to involvement in leadership roles and contribution to organizational functioning. A socially supportive participation experience refers to social involvement in mutually supportive friendships with intimacy and sharing. Results indicate that both types of participation are associated with recovery, although a socially supportive participation experience maintains a stronger relationship with recovery than an empowering participation experience. Findings are consistent with the idea that CROs should encourage both types of participation. Drawing from over ten years of experience supporting CROs, the discussion section explores several strategies CROs can use to foster empowering and socially supportive participation experiences.

The current managed health care system creates an environment in which social workers need to be knowledgeable about low-cost interventions. Self-help groups have the potential to be beneficial to social workers' clients. Surprisingly, little is known about the characteristics and activities of many groups and the extent to which groups receive guidance and support from professionals and established national and local organizations. Whereas many social workers are aware of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), there are thousands of other types of groups that could be helpful to their clients. This study examines the member and group characteristics, professional involvement, and local and national affiliations of 253 self-help groups. Results suggested that many groups have shared leadership, recruit group members, receive assistance from professionals, and receive guidance from national and local organizations. Results are discussed in terms of how social workers can assist and use self-help groups in the current managed health care system.

Since the 1950s, people with mental illness and their families have been organizing a wide range of self-directed, mutual support oriented initiatives, including self-help groups, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. These initiatives have become increasingly widespread over the years and today mental health self-help initiatives outnumber traditional mental health organizations in the United States (Goldstrom et al., Admin Policy Mental Health Mental Health Serv Res 33:92-103, 2006). Mental health self-help embodies much of what community psychologists promote, including the self-directed organization of people to create social change and facilitate personal transformation. This special issue provides new insight into several prominent areas of inquiry surrounding these low-cost interventions including: (1) their evidence base; (2) the processes by which people benefit; (3) how they interface with the mental health system; and (4) the value dilemmas they face.

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