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Consumer & Family Operated Services

Consumer Self-Help
Self-help groups are geared for mutual support, information, and growth. Self-help is based on the premise that people with a shared condition who come together can help themselves and each other to cope, with the two-way interaction of giving and receiving help considered advantageous. Self-help groups are peer led rather than professionally led.

As the number and variety of self-help groups has grown, so too has social science research on their benefits (Borkman, 1991). In general, participation in self-help groups has been found to lessen feelings of isolation, increase practical knowledge, and sustain coping efforts. 

Propelled by the growing consumer movement, consumer self-help extends beyond self-help groups. It also encompasses consumer-operated programs, such as drop-in centers, case management programs, outreach programs, businesses, employment and housing programs, and crisis services, among others.

(Borkman, T. J. (1991). Self-help groups. Introduction to the special issue.
American Journal of Community Psychology, 19, 643–650.)
From Mental Health, A Report of the Surgeon General, Chapter 4

Wisconsin Resources:
 The Grand Avenue Club (Milwaukee)
"An intentional community [in the clubhouse model] for adults who have experienced mental illness and those who are eager to share their journey."

Our Space, Inc. (Milwaukee) "a community living support service which was originally established in 1988 as a drop-in center to assist adults with mental health needs."


National Resources:

Consumer Organization and Networking Technical Assistance Center

National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations

National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy

National Empowerment Center

National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse

National Association of Peer Specialists


Family Self-Help

Family members of people with severe mental illnesses also encounter ignorance and stigma. Stigma translates into avoiding or blaming family members (Phelan et al., 1998; Wahl & Harman, 1989). Families also are under a great deal of stress associated with care giving and obtaining resources for their mentally ill members.

Families—especially parents, siblings, adult children, and spouses—often provide housing, food, transportation, encouragement, and practical assistance. At the same time, schizophrenia and other mental disorders strain family ties. Symptoms of mental disorders may be disruptive and troubling, especially when they flare up. Even when there are no problems, living together can be stressful—interpersonally, socially, and economically. Parents and their adult children often perceive mental disorders and treatment differently, sometimes disagreeing about the best course of action.

Consequently, families too have created support organizations. Some of these are professionally based and facilitated, often as part of a clinic or other treatment program. Others are peer run in the self-help model. Similar to self-help among people with mental illnesses, family self-help can range from small supportive groups to large organizations. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is the largest such organization. Starting in 1979 in Wisconsin, NAMI now has 208,000 members nationally.
From Mental Health, A Report of the Surgeon General, Chapter 4


NAMI Wisconsin

FAMILY-TO-FAMILY
  • A free NAMI of Greater Milwaukee Program for family members, partners and friends of individuals who have a severe mental illness. 
  • Download this .pdf flyer or call (414) 344-0447 for more information