Development and evaluation of drop-in centers operated by mental health consumers

Abstract

As part of a statewide initiative begun in 1989 to promote consumer involvement, the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health initially funded the development of nine consumer-operated drop-in centers. This paper describes some of the programs and services developed by the centers and presents results of a survey of consumers' use of and satisfaction with services. During the six-month survey period, a total of 478 consumers used services; average daily attendance at each center was 28. Most centers had one paid position supplemented by heavy use of volunteers. Most projects had collaborative relationships with a few providers who maintained a low profile in daily operations. Although consumers were highly satisfied with the drop-in centers, they desired improvements in the number of paid staff, hours of operation, management, and transportation.