Mental Health
While mental health care generally is considered a state responsibility,
a shortage of mental health resources has caused some state mental
health systems to limit their services to individuals who meet
the criteria for involuntary treatment. As a result, people who
request mental health services because they feel the need for them
may be rejected. Moreover, at a time when there are few adequate
services and fiscal restraints limit funding for any mental health
services, the costs of bureaucratic aspects of involuntary care
may use up resources needed for outreach, follow-up care, and other
services that people request. Historically, some subgroups of the
population have been underserved or poorly served. These generally
include those with little power — women, children, members
of racial and ethnic groups, and those of the lowest socioeconomic
status. Federal assistance can play an important role in bolstering
mental health services.
Along with psychiatry, psychology, marriage and family therapy,
and nursing, social work is one of the five core mental health
disciplines. In addition to their clinical functions, social workers
play an important role in primary prevention, early diagnosis,
treatment, habilitation, and rehabilitation of emotional problems
and mental illness. Social workers want to see that mental illness
is prevented whenever possible. To further improvements that have
been made in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment
of mental illness, NASW advocates:
