Randomized Controlled Trial of Self-Directed Care for Uninsured Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities
Study Overview
This randomized controlled trial study of mental health self-directed care (SDC) was conducted in Florida. SDC is a self-directed model of service delivery in which participants manage a personal budget from which they purchase goods and services, including specific types of mental health care, social supports, and items that allow them to recover their health and emotional wellness and live independently. Investigators are studying the impact of SDC on recovery, mental health, and health outcomes.
Uninsured adults in the public mental health system (N=42) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive SDC or services as usual and were assessed at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Our study found that, compared with individuals in the control condition, SDC participants reported greater improvement in perceived competence, met and unmet needs, autonomy support, recovery from symptom domination, and employment. No differences were found between the two groups in total per-person service costs or costs for individual services. The most frequent nontraditional purchases were for medical, dental, and vision services (33%) and health and wellness supports (33%). Satisfaction with SDC services was high. This study contributes to the evidence base that mental health SDC services lead to improved participant outcomes, with equivalent service use and costs of traditional treatment and high user satisfaction.
Read a peer-reviewed article about our study findings.
Uninsured adults in the public mental health system (N=42) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive SDC or services as usual and were assessed at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Our study found that, compared with individuals in the control condition, SDC participants reported greater improvement in perceived competence, met and unmet needs, autonomy support, recovery from symptom domination, and employment. No differences were found between the two groups in total per-person service costs or costs for individual services. The most frequent nontraditional purchases were for medical, dental, and vision services (33%) and health and wellness supports (33%). Satisfaction with SDC services was high. This study contributes to the evidence base that mental health SDC services lead to improved participant outcomes, with equivalent service use and costs of traditional treatment and high user satisfaction.
Read a peer-reviewed article about our study findings.
Study Partners
Lutheran Services Florida
Lutheran Service Florida is a managing entity responsible for the care management of enrollees in the Jacksonville catchment area. They will host a SDC study site in Jacksonville.
Florida Department of Children and Families
The Florida Department of Children and Families works in partnership with local communities to protect vulnerable individuals, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.
Lutheran Service Florida is a managing entity responsible for the care management of enrollees in the Jacksonville catchment area. They will host a SDC study site in Jacksonville.
Florida Department of Children and Families
The Florida Department of Children and Families works in partnership with local communities to protect vulnerable individuals, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.
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