Program implementation
Information on program implementation was widely publicized through the program’s website, e-mail lists, social networking services of several mental health self-help groups, and flyer distribution. Once we received a call from a potential participant, we planned an intervention near where the person lived, and distributed flyers in that area to encourage further participation with a reward ($23). The program was implemented face-to-face at eight sites across prefectures, thus covering a wide area in Japan. Once an application was received, the researcher sent a research description (instructions for the psychiatrist were enclosed) and the researcher explained the study over the phone. The applicant then gave the research description to his/her psychiatrist, who wrote a decision on whether or not he/she was approved to participate, subsequently sending it to the researcher by mail. The information regarding research participation was explained again on the day of the start of the program, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.