Combining evidence-based practice with stakeholder consensus to enhance psychosocial rehabilitation services in the Texas benefit design initiative.

This article describes the use of evidence-based practice along with a multi-stakeholder consensus process to design the psychosocial rehabilitation components in a benefit package of publicly funded mental health services in Texas. The Texas Benefit Design initiative demonstrates how the combination of science and consensus can be used as a powerful tool for change. It applies the findings of rigorous research regarding psychosocial rehabilitation service delivery approaches that achieve positive outcomes in real world, community settings. At the same time, it makes use of the unique knowledge and experience that mental health service consumers, providers and other advocates can bring to service system design and planning.