Background: Occupational therapists use a client-centered approach as part of embracing a philosophy of respect for, and partnership with people receiving services. This approach must also be incorporated in measuring outcomes of the service and clients must have input in evaluating the outcomes of their intervention. This article reports on a specific phase of a larger study in which clients have been included in confirming the domains for an outcome measure in occupational therapy in mental health care settings. 

Problem statement: To determine the expectations of MHCUs of the occupational therapy service and compare their expectations to those of occupational therapists as part of larger study to develop an outcome measure for occupational therapists in mental health care practices. 

Methods: A case study strategy was used which enabled mental health care users (MHCUs) [sample] to express their needs and expectations of the occupational therapy service. 12 individual interviews and two focus groups were used. The findings were thematically analysed and constantly compared [data analysis methods] with the domains identified by occupational therapy clinicians in Phase 1 of the larger study. Results indicate that the service which the participating occupational therapists were rendering, were in keeping with the needs and expectations of the MHCUs. 

Conclusion: The responses from the group of MHCUs who participated in the research corresponded well with the domains in which clinicians wish to see change. Future research about MHCUs could give a voice to their participants as it seems that their inputs are relevant and informative.