Mental Health Services in USA: Policies and Programs—What can India Learn from Western Models?

Abstract

Most western nations of Europe and North America have comprehensive systems of mental health care that have been developed over the last 100-years. Although far from perfect and still evolving, these systems have much to offer to countries such as India that are currently developing systems of modern mental health care. In this chapter, a brief history of mental health care in the USA is provided followed by an overview of mental health policies and practices. Brief content is provided on a wide range of topics from the mission statement and environment of care through assessment and treatment planning to continuous quality improvement, innovation and research. An extensive list of topics and resources for developing healthy systems of care is appended for both individual and/or small group providers as well as developers of larger systems of care, who may wish more in-depth knowledge and implementation tools. Finally information on accessing these resources is included by listing the organizations and agencies and the departments within, as well as think tanks, professional societies, advocacy groups, etc. The interested reader will be well served by searching these sites for their specific needs.