Maximizing the Potential for Community Self-Help Through Clearinghouse Approaches

Summary An overview of self-help groups is provided and their relationship to prevention and mental health is discussed. It is suggested that mental health centers would benefit from the increased use and support of groups, and that self-help clearinghouse approaches may be of special benefit. The development of an integrated and multidiscipfinary self-help clearinghouse approach to increasing the awareness, utilization, and development of mutual aid self-help groups in the community, with examples of strategies and accomplishments, is described. Principles and concepts important to professionals working with groups are proposed. Trends in the development of health related groups and computer conferencing initiatives are discussed.