The concept of an “authentic healing relationship” was first identified through consumer interviews conducted by the Camden Coalition in 2013. Individuals with complex health and social needs who had participated in the Camden Coalition’s care management intervention pointed to the strong relationships their Camden Coalition team members had built with them as the key to the intervention’s success.

Authentic healing relationships are secure, genuine, and continuous: patients and clients feel seen and heard, and providers follow through and establish appropriate boundaries. Authentic healing relationships are built by the provider or care team member using methods such as motivational interviewing, listening to consumer stories, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.

The Camden Coalition published an article on authentic healing relationships in Population Health Managment.