Abstract
This research study aims to investigate mental health and drug and alcohol (AOD) service providers and staff’s level of knowledge, belief in and use of the recovery model. This study also hopes to better understand the overall culture of the county agency, incorporating and upholding a recovery-oriented perspective and model. Using an online survey, 50 staff in the mental health and alcohol and drug departments of a rural CA county responded to a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions. Main qualitative findings include: specific training on the recovery model is needed, as some AOD and mental health staff did not receive any training, some participants feel that other coworkers may need to further develop their knowledge and competency in utilizing recovery-oriented practices, some participants questioned whether the recovery model can be used in all contexts, it is desirable to have improved coordination and communication between the mental health and AOD departments, and a more conducive environment within the county system will benefit the implementation of the recovery model. This agency does utilize a wellness recovery plan for all mental health consumers, has begun a process to improve communication between departments for consumers, and requires all staff to attend diversity trainings. The quantitative data revealed strong to moderate relationships among the 5 tested variables of competency, belief, implementation, training, and agency culture. However, there are no significant correlations between these five variables and professional degree and/or professional level of schooling. This study’s findings support the current literature on the need to further investigate how service providers understand and implement the recovery model, as well as increase positive collaborations between mental health and AOD departments to further promote the integration of recovery-oriented services. Social workers need to take an active role in engaging and supporting the advancement of the recovery movement within mental health and AOD services.