Mental health service user organizations in times of crises: adaptions, challenges and opportunities experienced by local associations during COVID-19.

Purpose: This study examines how local user associations of mental health service-user organizations were affected by the pandemic, in order to provide guidance to user organizations and surrounding actors on future advancements. The pandemic is used as a case to explore organizational resilience and digitalization during crisis.

Methods: Data from focus group interviews and individual interviews with representatives of ten local associations were analysed using qualitative content analysis. A theoretical framework combining governance theory and organizational theory was applied.

Results: Typically, associations swiftly restructured activities to support members to meet the urgent needs that arose, not least in relation to the digital transition. Simultaneously, face-to-face interactions was valued and some members became isolated. Public sector actors often did not prioritize collaboration, and the associations had limited agency and influence in advocacy activities.

Conclusions: User organizations can play an important role in times of crisis. Surrounding social systems should provide resources to counteract resource dependencies and allow organizations to develop operating reserves. They should value collaboration and establish collaborative practices to ensure a readiness to utilize the organizations' capacities when needed. User organizations should have control over future developments, both to harness the potential of digital connectivity and to prevent a digital divide.