Abstract
This study explored the attitudes and perceptions of two different groups of professionals who work with people who have serious and persistent mental health disorders. The two groups were social workers who work with the recovery model in community mental health settings and criminal justice personnel. Five members from each group were selected to participate in face-to-face interviews .The purpose of the qualitative, exploratory study was to gather information about those who are working in criminal justice and mental health to see if a difference existed in the attitudes of the two groups. The study found that although the group of social workers had more training and understanding of mental health symptoms and treatment, the two groups had similar conclusions about the difficulties facing people who had both serious mental health issues and legal involvement. Both groups recognized the need for more supportive services and the need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental disorders. The two groups were in agreement that direct contact with people about their disorder, education, and social movements all operate as factors necessary to challenge attitudes and perceptions about v serious and persistent mental disorders.