Embracing an Emerging Structure in Community Mental Health Services

This article investigates evidence of mental health system change at two community mental health organizations. Using ethnographic methods, the study explored the relationships, culture and characteristics of organizations employing consumer-survivors in designated positions, examining the ways in which they reflect traditional medically-based services and/or more recovery, partnership-oriented services. The data suggest that two structures of mental health services are evident at the organizations: the dominant structure and the emerging structure. It is argued that relationships based on hope, respect and affection appear to encourage the presence of the emerging structure.