Evidence-informed recovery

Purposeful, recovery-focused and evidence-informed programs support positive outcomes for consumers.

Our services are underpinned by the evidence-informed Collaborative Recovery Model (CRM), a person-centred coaching approach to assist people in their recovery journey.

The CRM was built on University of Wollongong (UoW) research into practices that assist people living with an enduring mental illness.

The CRM approach supports people to identify personal values and goals, and to make progress towards them, often through connecting with informal and formal community supports.

To validate the ongoing effectiveness of the CRM for Neami consumers, in 2014 a CRM Fidelity Study was undertaken in partnership with the UoW.

97% of people surveyed believed that the CRM was important in assisting their recovery.

Neami CRM Fidelity Study

The CRM coaching approach supports consumers to achieve independence and improved quality of life by:

  • Enhancing day-to-day function
  • Improving physical and mental wellbeing
  • Securing and sustaining a home
  • Increasing social connectedness
  • Engaging with educational and vocational opportunities


The CRM acknowledges that community connections are vital to developing long-term positive outcomes and provides the information, tools and skills required to achieve this.

Influenced by positive psychology, psychosocial rehabilitation principles, motivational interviewing and the stages of change model, we chose the CRM because it fits with our values, and those of the recovery and consumer movements.

Our commitment to evidence-based recovery is also demonstrated in the ongoing evaluation of services and programs. Using the self-assessment Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS), Neami services show a reduction in the number of unmet needs.

Finding what supports recovery

We support high-quality, ethical, research and evaluation that translates knowledge into improved services and better outcomes for consumers.

Research and evaluation