The experience of mental health consumers as researchers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of six mental health consumers who were involved in paid employment as researchers in the mental health field. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with these individuals in order to identify any benefits experienced as a result of their employment and to identify special needs that should be considered when employing consumers. Although consumers felt they had benefitted from their employment, several unmet needs were identified. The study findings support both the benefits experienced by mental health consumers who are employed as researchers and the necessity of providing meaningful opportunities for them to give feedback on their experience.