Perspectives concerning consumers as case managers

Consumer and non-consumer case managers participating in a randomized trial of consumer case management were interviewed regarding their perceptions of consumer and non-consumer case managers, their work and their clients. Consumer case managers were concerned about how they were accepted by other mental health professionals. The consumer team maintained less collateral contact with other professionals and more interpersonal contact with clients than the non-consumer team. Consumer case managers did not show any greater signs of stress, diminished self esteem, or burnout than non-consumer case managers.