A study of the perceived barriers to the implementation of circles of support.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identity barriers to implementing the social support intervention, Circle of Support, in supported employment (SE) services for people with psychiatric disabilities.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were administered to SE staff at three month intervals up to one year. Two focus groups were held with service recipients who did not participate in a circle of support.

Reducing stigma by meeting and learning from people with mental illness.

Objective: This study examines the effects of a public education program, developed in large part by consumers of mental health services, on the attitudes of high school students toward people with mental illnesses.

Methods: Four hundred and twenty-six students were provided an informational session delivered by consumers and a faculty member from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). The content of these sessions included facts about mental illness, characteristic symptoms, recovery strategies, and personal stories told by the consumer presenters.