The burden on services is accumulating – recovery orientation provides direction for change
Experts from the wellbeing services counties working in the Recovery Oriented Network have prepared a statement that is currently circulating among the counties. The participating counties are taking a stand to expand the recovery oriented approach within mental health, substance use and addiction services across the country. The statement is an important step in developing the Finnish service system and shows that the counties recognise both the challenges of the current system and the need for long term, effective change.
From an expert perspective, the statement is welcome especially because it brings together the key development needs and provides a direction on which different services can be built. It is not merely an administrative guideline but a clear message that the service system should be developed in a long term manner, based on research evidence and with the overall wellbeing of clients as the guiding principle.
Pain points in the service system and the role of the recovery oriented approach
The wellbeing services counties highlight a phenomenon that has been known for a long time: a small share of the population, an estimated 5–10%, uses up to 80% of service resources. Their various challenges also often overlap. The statement shows that the counties are ready to examine structures critically and seek solutions that strengthen functional ability and reduce the need for intensive services.
A recovery oriented approach is not a single method or programme added on top of existing work. It is a framework that guides services around a person’s own goals, strengths and everyday life. Central to this is the belief that recovery and returning to everyday life is possible, and that professionals’ role is to support this process—not only to monitor and treat symptoms.
In practice, this means, among other things, that the client’s own knowledge and experience are taken seriously in service planning, the role of experts by experience is strengthened, and the aim is to enhance functional ability and participation. A recovery oriented approach also supports the meaningfulness of professionals’ work and can reduce ethical stress.
Towards a more effective and sustainable service system
The statement reflects the counties’ intention to develop the service system so that it better supports people’s opportunities to return to studies, working life and community participation. This aligns with what international research and practical experience show.
“We need a shared value base and a clear guiding principle for organising mental health and substance use services. A recovery oriented approach offers a cost effective solution that supports clients’ empowerment, participation and hope,” says Mikko Ketola, Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the South Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county.
At the same time, it is recognised that change requires more than good intentions. Strengthening the recovery oriented approach requires strategic guidance, commitment from leadership and staff, and long term competence development. When implemented successfully, it improves the effectiveness of services, strengthens clients’ functional ability and reduces the need for intensive services. Resource allocation also improves when services better support people in managing everyday life.
The wellbeing services counties’ statement in support of strengthening the recovery oriented approach is bold and constructive, and deserves attention. It shows that the counties are ready to work together and steer services towards a model that supports people’s daily lives, participation and functional ability.
This is an important step towards a more effective, cost efficient and humane mental health, substance use and addiction service system.
By 1 June, the statement has been signed by the directors of the South Karelia, South Ostrobothnia, Kainuu and Satakunta wellbeing services counties.
The statement can be read at Innokylä (in Finnish)