The provider is forced to provide an inflexible service and innovation is stifled. The ability to respond to new interventions, community needs, funding issues, changes in the environment, and system changes is limited. And consumers lose the opportunity to choose the approach that best meets their needs. Another unintended effect of emphasizing a single model over effectiveness is the lack of attention to building an infrastructure to support quality rehabilitation services. It is easier to blame a model as insufficient than to address these more expensive but ultimately more effective infrastructure issues.
Models are crucial to guide good practice and program development.
But providers must have the flexibility to decide which combination of models best fits the needs of consumers, the local community and the agency. The typical rehabilitation agency uses more than one model and creates different services to meet the varying needs of those requesting services. Every practitioner must have the flexibility to modify practice to meet individual needs of the consumer. Most importantly, every consumer needs the freedom to choose what approach best meets his or her needs and choose again as needs change over time. An individual who needs a strong system of support may choose a clubhouse program and a residential program which allows him to share a home with others with mental illness.