NAMI Support Groups Evaluation
Problem
Peer-led support groups are widely used to complement mental health care, but rarely formally evaluated.
Mental health needs in the United States continue to outpace access to clinical care, and peer-led support groups have emerged as a widely used complement. Despite widespread use, evidence on how these groups operate and what outcomes they produce for participants has been limited.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups nationwide for individuals affected by mental illness and their families. Because the support groups have not been formally evaluated, however, NAMI is unsure of their true effectiveness and would like to better understand their implementation and impact on participants.
Solution
NORC is studying how NAMI’s support groups are run and how participation affects those involved.
Our mixed-methods evaluation includes both process and outcome components. The process evaluation examines how support groups are implemented across NAMI affiliates, while the outcome evaluation assesses the impact of participation on individuals with mental health conditions and their loved ones.
We are fielding baseline and six-month follow-up surveys with first-time participants; a cross-sectional survey of continuing participants; and focus groups with affiliates, program leaders, and participants. An advisory board of program leaders and participants is helping us refine data collection tools and interpret findings, ensuring the evaluation reflects participant and affiliates lived experiences and supports NAMI’s goals for continuous improvement.
Result
Findings will help NAMI strengthen its support groups and expand access to peer-led mental health support.
Findings and recommendations will help NAMI refine implementation and strengthen the support group experience for participants. The evaluation will support NAMI’s broader efforts to expand peer-led support, reduce stigma, and promote mental well-being for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families.
Related Tags
Project Leads
-
Brett Harris
Principal Research ScientistProject Director -
Hildie Cohen
Senior Research DirectorProject Manager -
Katie Gallant
Research ScientistEvaluation Specialist -
Elizabeth Flanagan Balawajder
Research ScientistEvaluation Specialist -
Jackie Sheridan-Johnson
Research ScientistEvaluation Specialist
“Support groups serve an important role in care and recovery for people with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Our evaluation is critical in assisting NAMI in their efforts to enhance the support group experience and promote positive outcomes among support group participants.”
