Consumer Quality Initiatives (CQI) uses the tools of research to build community capacity and foster organizational and systems transformation. By gathering information in collaboration with mental health consumers and family members, along with our state and federal partners, we ask research questions that are relevant to the community, and then readily translate findings into practice and policy. We believe this process is the best way to foster systems/organizational learning and change, broaden community leadership and support personal growth.

CQI offers a unique mix of services:

• Research and evaluation activities, quantitative and/or qualitative, that are consumer/family-driven with the aim of affecting policy and practice. Products include the publication of process and data summaries, including issue briefs, aggregate reports, and research articles.
• Consultation with organizations on achieving significant involvement of consumers in the "change" process to promote mental health systems transformation and quality improvement.
• Trainings  for consumers on research and evaluation and for entities that would like to take a CBPR approach.
• Photovoice  is a process by which participants use cameras to tell their stories, engage in critical dialogue to represent collective themes, and enhance their community (often through a photographic exhibit), with a particular benefit to those who have not had much chance to express themselves freely.

We have honed our expertise through private grants, such as the Youth in Transition Citizenship project, collaborations with state, federal and quasi-governmental agencies, collaborations with researchers and universities, and work with consumer/family run and advocacy groups.