101055: Achieving the Promise

About the Course:

After a year of study, and after reviewing research and testimony, the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health found that recovery from mental illness is now a real possibility. The promise of the New Freedom Initiative—a life in the community for everyone—can be realized. Yet, for too many Americans with mental illnesses, the mental health services and supports they need remain fragmented, disconnected and often inadequate, frustrating the opportunity for recovery. Today’s mental health care system is the result of disjointed reforms and policies. Instead of ready access to quality care, the system presents barriers that all too often add to the burden of mental illnesses for individuals, their families, and our communities.

The Commission recommended a fundamental transformation of the nation’s approach to mental health care. This transformation must ensure that mental health services and supports actively facilitate recovery, and build resilience to face life’s challenges. Building on the principles of the New Freedom Initiative, the recommendations presented in this course can improve the lives of millions of our fellow citizens now living with mental illnesses. The benefits will be felt across America in families, communities, schools, and workplaces.

Journal/Publisher:

U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services

Publication Date:

July 2003

Author

New Freedom Commission on Mental Health members

About the Authors:

A commission created under the auspices of the office of the president of the United States.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about proposed mental health system reform in the United States. It is appropriate for all levels of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify the major concepts essential to an understanding of the importance of mental health.

2. Explain how mental health care can become more consumer and family driven.

3. Name ways in which disparities in mental health services can be eliminated.

4. Categorize the ways in which early mental health screening, assessment, and referral services can become common practice.

5. Cite examples of acceleration in research and how technology can play a major role in access to mental health care.