Bill Compton

William H. Compton, Jr. (October 6, 1945, Rockford, Illinois – August 27, 2007) was a mental health advocate in California who attained national stature.

Beginning in 1994,[1] Compton headed Project Return: The Next Step (PR:TNS), a consumer-run self-help network supported by the National Mental Health Association of Greater Los Angeles.

During this time he worked as an actor, producer and director in New York City, Boston, and eventually Los Angeles.

[10] In 1989, in his mid-40s and an event salesperson for a large Los Angeles theater, Compton had a complete mental breakdown;[11] his family believes it may have been caused by his use of crystal methamphetamine.

[6] Compton made presentations at state and national conferences on topics such as establishing and enhancing a network of self-help clubs, running a peer support telephone help line and incorporating the role of consumer-run services into a mental health system.