Application of the CHINESE Recovery Model in Community Integration of Individuals with Mental Disorders: A Practice-Based Study

Abstract

Amidst rapid social transformation and accelerated living rhythms in contemporary China, mental health disorders have evolved into a pressing societal concern. Traditional treatment approaches emphasizing institutional care and pharmacological intervention demonstrate limited efficacy in achieving genuine patient rehabilitation. The recovery model, an empowerment-oriented theoretical framework focusing on intrinsic transformation and personal growth, has gained increasing attention within China while remaining inadequately explored regarding its localized applicability. Drawing upon field experience from a community-based rehabilitation project for mental health patients in J District, this study investigates the application of the Chinese Recovery Model (CRM) in facilitating community integration of individuals with mental disorders. Through multidimensional interventions encompassing physical functioning, behavioral interaction, and psychological-emotional domains, our empirical findings reveal the significant effectiveness of CRM in enhancing community engagement. Key discoveries demonstrate: (1) CRM's intrinsic value in cultivating patient potential and sustaining long-term recovery motivation through individualized empowerment strategies; (2) The necessity of strengthening familial support networks by addressing both patients' needs and caregivers' support requirements; (3) The critical role of community acceptance in establishing an inclusive social environment. The paper concludes with a critical reflection on the localization and professionalization of recovery-oriented practices within China's socio-cultural context, proposing implementable recommendations for future research and psychosocial service improvement.