The One Mind Lived Experience Initiative
Transforming Mental Health Through Experience-Based Leadership
The One Mind Lived Experience Initiative stimulates societal mental health advances by healing a debilitating rift in the system. Our society’s efforts to heal people facing severe mental illness (SMI) are falling short. Meanwhile, employers discriminate against candidates who have experienced SMI, fearing their diagnoses and ignoring their human strengths and skills. The underlying cause of these problems is that not enough U.S. leaders either live with experience of mental illness or listen to people with such experiences, and therefore they do not accurately understand their needs.
- Of the 15 million American adults experiencing SMI in 2021, only two thirds accessed any treatment, let alone effective treatment (NIMH)
- Less than 10% of young people facing SMI receive the gold standard of care (NIMH).
- Of adults with SMI, less than a quarter are employed (Drake, 2020).
- Two primary, related reasons for these inequities are distrust and discrimination (Sapien Labs, 2021).
- Roughly two thirds of people experiencing mental illness avoid seeking care, mostly due to negative perceptions, including fear of discrimination and lack of trust that services will help (Suicide Prevention Now, 2024).
Science shows that involving people with lived experience (PWLE) in the design of mental health research and services enhances the quality, accessibility, and creativity of solutions while empowering PWLE, decreasing stigma, and deepening trust. In a society where trust in the mental healthcare system is ebbing, we envision a brighter future where PWLE are more than just participants—they are essential partners whose unique insights and perspectives drive transformations, promoting a more inclusive and empathetic approach to mental health research, innovation, and services.
One Mind Lived Experience Council: Elevating Voices, Shaping Solutions
Our Mission: The One Mind Lived Experience Council (OMLEC) advances mental health science, innovation, and workplace policy by leveraging professional and personal experiences to advocate and advise mental health leaders and program beneficiaries on effectively meeting the needs of people with significant mental health challenges. The Council is the core of the One Mind Lived Experience Initiative.
Making an Impact
Currently, the One Mind Lived Experience Council is actively advising startups like Amae Health, Pangea Bio, and Holobiome, as well as scientific leaders from both academia and industry. The council members participate in meetings, help leaders refine their research and product development, and guide them to incorporate lived experience partnerships into their work. Their contributions are already making a significant impact, ensuring that innovations are well-targeted and effective in meeting the needs of those with mental health conditions.
Check back for more updates and insights from our Lived Experience Council as they continue to shape the future of mental health innovation. Together, we are making strides towards a world where mental health challenges are met with understanding, support, and cutting-edge solutions.
The One Mind Lived Experience Blog
Read the latest blog posts from our Lived Experience Blog. Hear from the One Mind Lived Experience Council experts as they share their thought-provoking stories and experiences, while providing insightful learnings and guidance along the way.