Contemporary Mental Health: Theory, Policy and Practice [Hardcover]

The authors explore theoretical developments and policy and practice initiatives in the complex and changing area of mental health services. They examine the tensions, dilemmas and opportunities now operating, including those relating to gender and ethnicity and places the involvement of users/survivors centre stage.

Identifying and discussing the tensions between different professional models, varying social perspectives and political imperatives, the book explores how these tensions are manifested in practice. Key topics include:

• the emphasis on risk as opposed to citizenship and entitlement
• social exclusion and inclusion
• professional and user perspectives
• the territories of health and social care and their respective roles and relationships.

An important theme running throughout is the critical appraisal of perspectives concerning gender, ethnicity and sexuality, drawing out wider issues of power and inequality. This book makes ideas and theoretical policy material accessible and applicable, and is a key text for students and practitioners in mental health, social work and social care.

Mental health services in the UK are at a critical point in terms of their development. This book examines key themes and tensions in relation to theory, policy, practice and research.

Barbara Fawcett is Professor of Social Work and Policy Studies at the University of Sydney, New South Wales. Kate Karban is Principal Lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Chapter 1 Introduction; Part 1 Theory, policy and tensions; Chapter 2 Theoretical underpinnings; Chapter 3 The historical policy framework; Chapter 4 Inclusiveness and exclusiveness; Chapter 5 Contemporary policy; Part 2 The changing contemporary scene; Chapter 6 User/survivor involvement and carers; Chapter 7 Experts and aló’