Consumer involvement in all aspects of community mental health services is a very high priority for Sacramento County. Not only are there several thousand consumers of mental health services locally, but there are many consumers involved in the system as volunteers and as paid staff of the many contracted service agencies. Recovering consumers can help to bridge the gap for individuals less stable and still very reluctant to become involved with “professional” intervention. In Sacramento County there are several adult consumer advocates who assist people with access to mental health services. These services include help with finding resources and community programs, government entitlements, discharge planning, self-help, family and other support groups.

The Division of Mental Health has one Consumer Advocate-Liaison who oversees consumer affairs for adult clients in Sacramento County. That person assists people with one on one advocacy, peer support and self advocacy. That person is also responsible for recruiting consumers to sit on task forces, committees and governing bodies. The county advocate also provides trainings regarding consumer employment, group facilitation and the self-help/recovery model. There is also a county wide annual consumer conference and a networking group that meets twice a month. The advocate represents the Sacramento County consumer perspective at State and National forums where service delivery planning takes place and also serves as a Consumer representative on statewide reviews of other county mental health programs.

To reach the Adult Consumer Advocate-Liaison, phone the main Mental Health Administration number at (916) 875-7070.