From Medical to Recovery Models: The Way Forward

There has been talk about how patients are treated in public mental health facilities, and the consensus is... that it isn’t great. So, how do we go about changing that?

Recently, there has been a shift from the dominating medical model used to treat mental illness, to a more recovery-orientated model. From the perspective of psychologists, this involves not only advocating for their patients in public health and hospital settings, but within the community as well. Carr et al. (2023), posit that the medical model, which is limited to providing diagnostic evaluations and pharmacological intervention, can be stigmatising, emotionally scarring, and leave patients feelings devalued. Conversely, the recovery model is inclusive of multiple determinants of health, as it heightens the importance of a type of care which is person centred, individualised, and holistic. Not only does it promote self-efficacy and empowerment but incorporates the influence of the community. Carr et al. (2023) consider how psychologists can employ this level of advocacy for their patients, through collaborating with community organisations, engaging in policy change and improving social justice. These factors are key to promoting advocacy for patients which can be longitudinally beneficial. In order for health professionals to transition from delivering a medicalised model of care, Carr et al. (2023) state that it is vital to be aware of and examine personal biases, whilst working collaboratively with families, communities, and of course their patients, to promote social justice and recovery in public mental health.

24th March, 2023 - Written by Eliana Janakis, Psychology Student Intern