Recently, movements and concepts such as recovery, according to the use of the term coined by the consumer and survivor movements, citizenship (both as a participatory and therapeutic tools) or social prescription (among others), have expanded the range of therapeutic options in general practice and mental health by strengthening the links between health, social services and community resources. In line with the disappointment of some Western user organizations with the absorption of their claims by the administration, transforming a bottom-up into a top-down process, we seek to discuss the role that the social commitment of psychology should play in this process. In contrast to empty conceptualizations disguised as “neutral”, we intend to offer a bottom-up, source-embedded appreciation of the need to effectively engage practitioners and users within the construction of a committed psychology field, able to use community engagement interventions to promote and improve mental health.
Community engagement as mental health promotion: towards a committed psychological practice
