Consumer-directed care for beneficiaries with mental illness: lessons from New Jersey's Cash and Counseling program.

Objective: Previous research from the Cash and Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation (CCDE) programs in New Jersey, Arkansas, and Florida suggests that consumers' control over personal care greatly improves their satisfaction with care arrangements and their outlook on life. Still, some argue that consumer-directed care may not be appropriate for consumers with a diagnosis of mental illness. This study examined the effectiveness of the CCDE program for those with a diagnosis of mental illness.

Promoting the value and practice of shared decision-making in mental health care.

Active consumer participation is critical in contemporary mental health care and treatment planning and has been a staple of the field of psychiatric rehabilitation for the last three decades. Providing the opportunity for consumers to chose interventions that fit personal preferences and recovery increase the likelihood that these interventions will enhance personal meaning, satisfaction and quality of life (Improving the Quality of Health Care for Mental and Substance Use Conditions, 2006). Similarly, self-determination and shared decision-making are critical components of recovery.