An Alternative Pathway to Recovery: Program Evaluation of R2ISE Público

Abstract

Mental illness and addiction are prevalent public health issues that impact many aspects of a person’s life. In Georgia there is a small but underserved population living with moderate to severe mental illness and/or addiction. Georgia has adopted a recovery approach to mental healthcare that moves beyond treatment of symptoms to prioritize holistic health and well-being. Case studies from other countries suggest that theater and the arts may offer an effective pathway to recovery and have recommended further study in this field. There are still very few if any studies on these topics in the United States. Even in Georgia, there were no peer reviewed articles on the state’s recovery-based approach.

R2ISE is a peer-run organization in Georgia that promotes recovery through creative expression and the arts. Before this study, very little data had been collected on the processes and outcomes of R2ISE, but it was well-liked by its participants and offered insight on how to achieve recovery through the arts in the United States. The results of my program evaluation suggest that R2ISE promotes recovery and empowers its participants to reach their goals in life. Participants discussed how the organization had improved their mental health in ways that traditional clinical treatment and support groups had not been able to. Participants found a greater sense of connection, hope, meaning in their lives and empowerment while developing their sense of identity, all components of recovery. Several participants even launched careers as writers or artists with the support they received from R2ISE.

Participants described R2ISE’s approach to be highly effective for them and suggested that  it filled a gap in Georgia’s mental healthcare system. As a young organization, R2ISE is still evolving and expanding to new demographics. Questions remain about their future target populations and identity as an organization, but they offer a lot of promise. I analyze the factors that differentiate R2ISE and make their approach so effective. These factors should be further studied to see how they can be incorporated into other mental health and addiction programs in Georgia and nationwide. 

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………..1

Literature Review………………………………………………………………………………………....7

Mental Health in The United States……………………………………………………………….....7

Mental Health in Georgia…………………………………………………………………………........7

Traditional Methods of Addressing Mental Health………………………………………………..9

Public Mental Health in Georgia…………………………………………………………………......11

Mental Health Recovery Through the Arts………………………………………………………...12

R2ISE and Recovery……………………………………………………………………………............15

Methods…………………………………………………………………………………………………...17

Study Design and IRB Process………………………………………………………………….......17

Population and Sample Recruitment……………………………………………………………...17

Logic Model of R2ISE…………………………………………………………………………….......18

In-depth Interviews………………………………………………………………………………......18

Anonymity and Confidentiality………………………………………………………………….....19

Data Analysis Plan………………………………………………………………………………........20

Limitations……………………………………………………………………………………….........20

Results…………………………………………………………………………………………………….22

Logic Model of R2ISE…………………………………………………………………………….......22

In-Depth Interviews……………………………………………………………………………........24

·       Defining R2ISE…………………………………………………………………………............24

·       Addressing Mental Health………………………………………………………………........32

·       Outcomes of R2ISE……………………………………………………………………............38

·       Future Directions………………………………………………………………………............45

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………………….48

Topics for Discussion…………………………………………………………………………….......49

Defining R2ISE…………………………………………………………………………………..........50

Addressing Mental Health………………………………………………………………………......56

Outcomes…………………………………………………………………………………………........59

Future Directions…………………………………………………………………………………......63

Public Health Implications and Recommendations……………………………………………64

References……………………………………………………………………………………………….67

Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………………...70

           Appendix 1: Participant Interview Guide…………………………………………………70

           Appendix 2: Executive Board Interview Guide…………………………………………..73

           Appendix 3: Director Interview Guide……………………………………………………..76

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Health Sciences, Public Health Education Health Sciences, Mental Health
Palavra-chave	Dance Art Addiction Recovery
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Kate Winskell, Emory University
Committee Members	Robyn Singleton, Emory University

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