We have elected to focus on individuals meeting accepted criteria for serious mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I disorder (with mania), and major depression with psychosis. Individuals meeting these criteria represent a large population with significant costs and health concerns for VA. Further, they are the primary target of efforts to transform mental health care in VA to a recovery model, making this an arena in particular need of a sound recovery instrument.