An evaluation of the first Recovery College in Slovakia: a revolutionary approach to mental health care

Abstract

This paper evaluates the first Recovery College in Slovakia, a revolutionary approach to mental health care based on the recovery concept. These colleges offer comprehensive educational programs led by individuals with personal and/or professional experience in mental health care. The main goal is to help individuals become experts in their own care; instead of prevalent paternalistic care of patients and clients who need to be told how to manage their mental health problems; it brings about a paradigm shift in the way people who experience mental illness are viewed. We used mixed research. We utilized the standardized Recovery Assessment Scale questionnaire (measuring the effect of courses on subjective recovery rates) and semi-structured interviews with staff and students of the first Recovery College in Slovakia. Interviews were focused on fulfilling the goals and principles of Recovery Colleges (Education, Co-production, Strengths-based approach, Progress and empowerment, Inclusion, Community focus and Person-centered approach). Both tools demonstrate positive changes in the lives of staff and students of the first Recovery College in Slovakia, especially when it comes to self-stigma reduction, the increase of self-responsibility, and recognizing personal strengths. The article provides a unique insight into the newly established Recovery College. It could serve as a source of inspiration.