History

Our personal experiences brought us together. The development of this statewide organization was a natural outgrowth of informal and formal meetings of pro-active consumer leaders from throughout the state of Texas.

Mission

The mission of Texas Mental Health Consumers is to organize, encourage, and educate mental health consumers in Texas. TMHC supports and promotes the mental health recovery process through peer directed and operated services, advocacy, economic development, and participation in public mental health policy design.

Position Statement

Texas Mental Health Consumers will maintain its position as an advocacy organization in favor of choice in the area of medically prescribed treatment.

Rather than endorse or condemn any type of psychiatric or psychological treatment, our organization will commit resources to educate consumers regarding options, as well as, promote the advocacy skills necessary to protect the right to access or refuse treatment.

This position reflects Texas Mental Health Consumers' dedication to the principle of civil liberties as the basic foundation of consumer needs.

Objectives

• To educate consumers, mental health providers, and the general public about mental health issues from the point of view of the consumer.
• To facilitate statewide communication and to encourage regional grassroots activities.
• To support and encourage direct representation on policy making and advisory boards.
• To promote the value of consumers in the workplace and to help them gain access to mainstream work settings.
• To preserve the rights of dignity and self-determination of persons oppressed as a result of a psychiatric label.
• To work in a cooperative manner with other related organizations and associations to insure a collective effort for the benefit of mental health consumers.