Promoting Self-Determination through Self-Directed Care in Texas
This study is one of the first to implement and rigorously evaluate a mental health Self-Directed Care (SDC) program. It was conducted in partnership with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Beacon Health Options, the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority, and the former NorthStar Program in Dallas.
SDC is a way of providing care in which people who receive public mental health services directly control the funds spent on their recovery. They create a person-centered recovery plan and a budget for the purchase of goods and services to achieve their life goals. People's options are expanded by creating opportunities beyond what is available from traditional mental health service providers. Program staff help participants to hire providers and make purchases that lead to greater mental health recovery.
Our randomized controlled trial study found that people who received SDC were more likely to work, to be taking classes, and to have lower somatic symptom distress than controls. SDC participants also had higher levels of coping mastery, higher self-esteem, and higher levels of self-perceived recovery, as well as greater ability to ask for help, to use social support, and to pursue recovery goals. They also were more likely than controls to perceive their service delivery system as client-driven.
Access a presentation describing these findings.
Download our Self-Directed Care Implementation Manual, listen to a podcast, and watch a how-to webinar.
Visit our one-stop source for self-directed care resources.
SDC is a way of providing care in which people who receive public mental health services directly control the funds spent on their recovery. They create a person-centered recovery plan and a budget for the purchase of goods and services to achieve their life goals. People's options are expanded by creating opportunities beyond what is available from traditional mental health service providers. Program staff help participants to hire providers and make purchases that lead to greater mental health recovery.
Our randomized controlled trial study found that people who received SDC were more likely to work, to be taking classes, and to have lower somatic symptom distress than controls. SDC participants also had higher levels of coping mastery, higher self-esteem, and higher levels of self-perceived recovery, as well as greater ability to ask for help, to use social support, and to pursue recovery goals. They also were more likely than controls to perceive their service delivery system as client-driven.
Access a presentation describing these findings.
Download our Self-Directed Care Implementation Manual, listen to a podcast, and watch a how-to webinar.
Visit our one-stop source for self-directed care resources.