193: Framing the Journey: Insights from a Photovoice Evaluation in Behavioral Health

Quantitative evaluation approaches often unintentionally center the evaluators rather than their population of focus. These approaches rely on rigid parameters, drawing on the researchers’ own framework to determine which questions are asked and how responses are received. This process contributes to the power imbalance of evaluator as expert, and limits the insights gained from looking into the nuance of one’s lived experience. Photovoice is a means to share thoughts and experiences through photos and art, an advantageous approach when discussing more sensitive topics. The technique de-emphasizes researchers, instead focusing on giving both voice and power back to the community by allowing community members to lead and share what feels most relevant to them. Join us for a discussion on lessons learned from a Photovoice pilot that examined the connection between mental and physical health amongst a group of clients at a behavioral health organization.

Hannah Ballard