Privatization And Mental Health Care: A Fragile Balance [Hardcover]

Mental health policy in the United States has involved varying approaches, often reflecting the social and economic conditions of the times. The compelling needs of individuals, however, have consistently demanded attention and some form of public policy response has been necessary, even since the early days. Societal reaction has moved in many differing directions--from institutionalization and deinstitutionalization to the care and costs borne at public expense to the current emphasis on increasing privatization.

Dorwart and Epstein stress that the mental health system must be seen as a system within two other systems--health care and social service--if it is to be effective. They have written an authoritative, comprehensive, and practical analysis of the mental health policy area, offering sound policy recommendations.

ROBERT A. DORWART is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Public Health at Harvard Medical School and The Cambridge Hospital and Chairman of the Mental Health Policy Working Group at the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

SHERRIE S. EPSTEIN is a Research Associate at the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Foreword
Preface
Evolution of Mental Health Care Policy
Introduction
History of Mental Health Care Policies
Financing of Mental Health Services
Hospital Ownership and Access to Care: A National Perspective
The Privatization Era
A Study of Psychiatric Services: An Overview
Privatization and Its Effects on CMHCs and Psychiatrists
Privatization and Policies for the Future
Public-Private Partnerships: A Case Study of Cambridge, Massachusetts
Future Policy Directions
Appendix: Study Instruments--Questionnaire
References
Index