Recovery stories are critical for research. Good clinical ideas usually derive from careful study of people’s descriptions of their experiences. After deinstitutionalization, people discharged from large mental hospitals identified their needs as learning to navigate and be independent in the community. Assertive community treatment was born. People experiencing mental illness identified a need for friends who do not use alcohol and drugs, help in reconnecting with their families, and help with educational and employment goals. This led to evidence-based practices.
Goal setting displays a clear difference in perspectives. Professionals tend to believe people need more treatment, dependency and time in sheltered settings. People with mental illness instead endorse functional goals, independence, less treatment and a life in natural community settings. These latter goals lead to better engagement, working relationships and outcomes.