In this model, treatment is part of self-managed care. The goal of treatment here is assisting people in gaining greater control of their lives and assisting them in regaining valued roles in society. The primary goal of treatment should not be to control the person's behavior. The use of medication does not itself mean that a person has not recovered from mental illness. It depends upon the degree to which the person and those around them see the medication as constantly needed.
Many people also embrace holistic health as an alternative to medication.
In addition, people regain a valued social role through support services in housing, work, education, and parenting. As many of these services as possible should be run by people who have recovered. These services are as vital to recovery as any medical procedure. This model also differentiates between recovery from mental illness which involves a limited number of people over limited periods of time, and the nearly universal healing and transformation from emotional distress and trauma which can occupy a lifetime. Role of Work in Recovery Psychiatric disabilities are unique because the label of mental illness itself creates a barrier to people returning to work.