Argues that lack of clarity regarding roles, functions, and research of psychologists in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings has prevented establishing guidelines for training graduate students to work in rehabilitative settings. Asserts that students should have core training in psychology and receive coursework and practica in…

Discusses the importance of assistive technology for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Describes the background and development of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988. Suggests strategies for increasing the effectiveness of psychologists in the policy-making process. (JS)

Analyzes data from 10 long-term prospective studies in relation to key issues about self-quitting smoking. Compares the success rates of self-quitters and formal treatment programs of light smokers and heavy smokers, and examines the cyclical nature of quitting. Concludes that self-quitting is a dynamic process, not a discrete event. (FMW)

Discusses how psychologists have established themselves as integral health care providers in rehabilitation. Discusses how psychologists and the psychological associations have failed to recognize the importance of public policy for the practice of psychology. Explores the role of Medicare, and the effects of the inclusion of psychologists in…

The needs of families of the mentally ill are being newly evaluated. While family burden remains a real concomitant of mental disorders, assistance from mental health professionals often falls short of family needs. Family consultation seeks to address these serious family problems. Issues for graduate psychology education are discussed. (AF)

Describes the role of a research institute director in implementing policy, program, and management changes. Emphasizes the importance of modifying a peer review system to improve funding decisions. Discusses the needs of individuals with disabilities for pragmatic solutions to their problems and the interests of the rehabilitation research…

The belief that schizophrenia is a brain disease is the consensus among families of persons with mental illness and is supported by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. This article summarizes implications for psychologists from the following standpoints: (1) etiology; (2) vulnerability; (3) treatment; (4) rehabilitation; (5) assessment;…

The special needs of young adults with concurrent mental health and substance abuse problems are discussed. This article presents federal initiatives and research findings, and describes state-of-the-art approaches to treatment and rehabilitation. Strategies for training mental health professionals to diagnose and treat dually disabled persons are…

Psychologists and other mental health professionals can collaborate with persons suffering from mental disorders and their families to seek increased funding for the mental health movement. Partnerships between family members and psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers should be expanded in the following three areas: (1) research; (2)…