SAMANTHA MATTHEWS, GRAHAM DIGUISEPPI, REBECCA L. COLLINS, NICOLE K. EBERHART
Evaluation of YourDMH,
Los Angeles County
Department of Mental Health’s
Community Stakeholder
Engagement Groups
C
ommunity engagement, which can vary from consultation and outreach to shared leadership
and decisionmaking authority, is an increasingly important part of mental health research
and practice (Smikowski et al., 2009; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin-
istration, 2022). Defined as “the process of working collaboratively with and through groups
of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest or similar situations to address issues
KEY FINDINGS
■ Just over half of participants were satisfied with YourDMH stakeholder meetings, and most
reported that they know how to get involved.
■ With respect to representation, just under half of respondents reported that they felt heard
and valued by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) and that their
feedback makes a difference, and only about one-third reported that their community was
adequately represented in meetings.
■ Mental health consumers were significantly less satisfied with the stakeholder groups than
were respondents who did not identify as consumers. Mental health consumers gave the
groups lower ratings for inclusiveness and for being safe places to be honest and voice con-
cerns. Mental health consumers also reported not feeling adequately represented at meetings.
■ Respondents noted that more information on DMH and a sense that their feedback was val-
ued and impactful would increase their participation.
■ In addition to information on DMH, respondents desired more information on mental health
service delivery, funding, legislation, and policies.
Evaluation Report
