Abstract
This thesis was completed in collaboration between Kezzia Bullen and Katherine Metoyer. Each collaborator was involved in every aspect of writing and completed half of the interviews. Ten therapists with a Master's level degree or above were interviewed to obtain their views of the supports available and barriers faced by the consumer parents they serve. They identified internal and external barriers that affected consumer's ability to effectively parent and access needed supports. A review of literature available on consumer parents' needs, along with organizational changes and barriers to accessing services by those parents was highlighted. Also included is a history of mental health services including federal and state legislation supporting the trend for consumer involvement in all aspects of mental health service delivery.