Working with lived experiences in mental healthcare: Organizational challenges

This study examines the integration of experiential knowledge, derived from the lived experiences of mental health service users and professionals, within mental health and addiction care organizations in the Netherlands. Over five years, four organizations participated in a case study aimed at enhancing the incorporation of lived experiences into their practices. The findings highlight the challenges and strategies involved in positioning experiential knowledge as a valuable and complementary resource alongside traditional professional and scientific knowledge. Key themes include the need for organizational commitment, the formalization and professionalization of lived experience roles, and the importance of creating supportive environments for the sharing and utilization of this knowledge. The study underscores the potential of experiential knowledge to enrich mental healthcare practices, though it requires significant investment in training, resources, and cultural shifts within organizations.