A qualitative study exploring mental health professionals’ perspectives, opinions, and attitudes on the state of service users’ rights

Abstract

Background: The rights of mental health service users are a subject of profound debate. In this article, we aim to examine mental health professionals’ perspectives, opinions, and attitudes on the state of service users’ rights. Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis of eleven focus groups involving mental health professionals. Results: Through this process, we identified two main meta-themes that shed light on the challenges faced by mental health service users: ‘Transforming the therapeutic relationship’ and ‘Societal determinants of service users’ rights’. Within the former meta-theme, we identified the following themes: ‘Diversifying mental health knowledge’, ‘Risk-protection tensions’, and ‘Being (ir)responsible’. Within the latter meta-theme we identified ‘Determinants inside the clinics’ and ‘Determinants outside the clinics.’ Conclusions: Reflecting on these themes could potentially encourage new strategies to support professionals in overcoming the subjective barriers that prevent their adherence to rights-based mental health care models.