The National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse, the nation’s first national consumer technical assistance center, has played a major role in the development of the mental health consumer movement. The consumer movement strives for dignity, respect, and opportunity for those with mental illnesses. Consumers–those who receive or have received mental health services–continue to reject the label of “those who cannot help themselves.”

People with psychiatric histories face discrimination each day, even though one in five adults in the United States will at some time fight a mental illness. Since the Clearinghouse was founded in 1986 by Joseph Rogers under the auspices of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, it has led the consumer movement by example, with a largely consumer-run management and staff. We believe that we must share our thoughts and experiences with each other and that knowledge is the key to open new doors.

The Clearinghouse works to foster consumer empowerment through our website, up-to-date news and information announcements, a directory of consumer-driven services, electronic and printed publications, training packages, and individual and onsite consultation. We help consumers organize coalitions, establish self-help groups and other consumer-driven services, advocate for mental health reform, and fight the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses. We also strive to help the movement grow by supporting consumer involvement in planning and evaluating mental health services, and encouraging traditional providers and other societal groups to accept people with psychiatric disabilities as equals and full partners in treatment and in society.

In addition to developing our own publications, we maintain an extensive library of information on topics important to consumer groups interested in self-help and advocacy, including peer counseling, deinstitutionalization, fundraising, involuntary treatment, patient rights, using the media, and many others.