Introduction

It is estimated that 450 million people worldwide are affected by neurobiological disorders in a given year; in the United States that translates to one in four adults, age 18 and older, or 61.5 million people (based on the 2010 U.S. Census; Kessler, 2005; WHO, 2001). Of the 61.5 million people approximately 13.6 million people or ‘one in seventeen’ are dealing with serious mental health challenges; such as, schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder (National Institute of Mental Health, 2005). Researchers believe that stigma, discrimination, and a lack of financial resources are major barriers that prevent people who are dealing with mental health challenge from seeking the care and treatment they need (Corrigan, 2004; Komiya, Good, & Sherrod, 2000; Vogel, Wade, & Haake, 2006).

According to National reports, reducing mental illness stigma and improving mental health knowledge are national health objectives that have the potential to enhance the mental health outcomes for individuals with a neurobiological disorder (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2000; President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, 2003). Other countries are transforming mental health polices to promote some type of recovery model, it is not restricted to only the United States (Australian Institute of Health and Wellness (AIHW), 2013; Scottish Government, 2012; Ireland, 2012). Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, the former director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes that “Mental illness is not a personal failure…In fact, if there is failure, it is to be found in the way we have responded to people with mental and brain disorders,” because they can live productive lives and be vital members in their community which has been verified through studies  by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) (2001, p.1; SAMSHA, 2009).