Supporting Mental Health Recovery with Strengths-based Approach

Abstract

Many health systems have traditionally adopted a view of mental disorders based on pathologies and the risks individuals have towards mental disorders. However, with this approach, mental disorders continue to cost the healthcare system billions of dollars a year. Aims and Objectives: This paper aims to introduce the use of strengths-based approach in the community mental health arena. Evidence about the contributions of strengths-based approach towards mental health recovery will be presented. Conclusions: Strengths-based approach moves the focus away from deficits of people with mental illnesses (consumers) and focus on their strengths and resources. Implications: The strengths-based approach can be easily applied by mental health practitioners. By identifying and utilizing the strengths of consumers, practitioners align themselves with the positive attributes and goals of consumers, creating the opportunities for consumers to recover.