Abstract
Harm reduction in community mental health settings can be effective in engaging persons with co-occurring disorders in services.
In this qualitative study, personal interviews and grounded theory methods were used to explore the experiences of 21 mental
health practitioners and 15 consumers with co-occurring disorders at a community mental health housing program that uses harm
reduction. Results indicate that while harm reduction enhanced therapeutic alliances, ethical and emotional tensions between
practitioners and consumers regarding their views on self-determination and tolerance of drug-related behaviors were also
evident. These tensions are explored and implications for practice and education are provided.
In this qualitative study, personal interviews and grounded theory methods were used to explore the experiences of 21 mental
health practitioners and 15 consumers with co-occurring disorders at a community mental health housing program that uses harm
reduction. Results indicate that while harm reduction enhanced therapeutic alliances, ethical and emotional tensions between
practitioners and consumers regarding their views on self-determination and tolerance of drug-related behaviors were also
evident. These tensions are explored and implications for practice and education are provided.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9451-4
- Authors
- Michael A. Mancini, School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, 3550 Lindell Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
- Wynter Wyrick-Waugh, EMPACT-SPC, 1232 E. Broadway Rd., Suite 120, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853