Participant experiences in peer- and clinician-facilitated mental health recovery groups for veterans

Objective: The purpose of the study was to characterize and compare participants' experiences of peer-facilitated versus clinician-facilitated recovery groups for veterans with mental illness. Method: We analyzed qualitative data from 24 interviews with veterans who participated in mental health recovery groups led by peer or clinician facilitators. Results: Subtle differences in group structure, participation/communication and utility/relevance between peer- and clinician-facilitated groups were identified. Participants experienced both peer and clinician facilitators as helpful in promoting recovery, though they appeared to do this in different ways. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Peer and clinician facilitators offer different strengths in the promotion of mental health recovery.