A scale to measure empowerment among users of mental health services was developed and tested. The scale, based on attributes defined by a consumer research advisory board, includes items such as having decision-making power, access to information, assertiveness, and feeling capable of making a difference. The 28-item scale was tested on 271 participants from six self-help programs across six states. Factor analysis identified five dimensions of empowerment: self-efficacy and self-esteem, power-powerlessness, community activism, righteous anger, and optimism. The scale showed adequate internal consistency and some validity, though further testing is needed to confirm discriminant validity and sensitivity to change. Empowerment was related to quality of life and income but not to demographic variables like age, gender, ethnicity, or employment status. It was inversely related to use of traditional mental health services and positively related to community activism. The study found that empowerment was not limited to privileged or educated groups, suggesting it is an "equal opportunity" personal state. While empowerment was not significantly related to the length or intensity of self-help involvement, it was related to satisfaction with the program. The study also found that monthly income and quality of life were predictors of empowerment. The findings suggest that programs aiming to promote empowerment should focus on increasing self-esteem, self-efficacy, and financial resources, as well as fostering sociopolitical awareness and community activism. The study's framework of empowerment aligns with definitions from Rappaport, Staples, and McLean. The scale was validated with two additional groups, showing it can differentiate between those with varying levels of empowerment. However, further research is needed to fully establish the scale's psychometric properties and its ability to measure change over time. The study was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.A scale to measure empowerment among users of mental health services was developed and tested. The scale, based on attributes defined by a consumer research advisory board, includes items such as having decision-making power, access to information, assertiveness, and feeling capable of making a difference. The 28-item scale was tested on 271 participants from six self-help programs across six states. Factor analysis identified five dimensions of empowerment: self-efficacy and self-esteem, power-powerlessness, community activism, righteous anger, and optimism. The scale showed adequate internal consistency and some validity, though further testing is needed to confirm discriminant validity and sensitivity to change. Empowerment was related to quality of life and income but not to demographic variables like age, gender, ethnicity, or employment status. It was inversely related to use of traditional mental health services and positively related to community activism. The study found that empowerment was not limited to privileged or educated groups, suggesting it is an "equal opportunity" personal state. While empowerment was not significantly related to the length or intensity of self-help involvement, it was related to satisfaction with the program. The study also found that monthly income and quality of life were predictors of empowerment. The findings suggest that programs aiming to promote empowerment should focus on increasing self-esteem, self-efficacy, and financial resources, as well as fostering sociopolitical awareness and community activism. The study's framework of empowerment aligns with definitions from Rappaport, Staples, and McLean. The scale was validated with two additional groups, showing it can differentiate between those with varying levels of empowerment. However, further research is needed to fully establish the scale's psychometric properties and its ability to measure change over time. The study was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.