Examines the issue of involuntary outpatient commitment, and its implications for social workers working in the health system. Describes a nationwide movement to establish a new system of involuntary outpatient commitment to address the failure of deinstitutionalization, mandating mental health treatment in the community for persons ineligible for…

A survey of the availability of mental health resources for medical students and residents in academic medical centers found that most centers offer assistance to medical students but not to house officers. The structures and limitations of the programs for residents are described. (Author/MLW)

This volume of 12 lessons provides expert information on a variety of medical and psychological issues in rehabilitative counseling. The lessons, which may be applied toward continuing education credits, are: (1) "Integration of Psychiatric Treatment and Rehabilitation" (Jeanne Steiner, Larry Davidson, Michael A. Hoge, and Selby Jacobs);…

This report is based upon testimony submitted by mental health professionals; lawyers; advocates; people with psychiatric disabilities and their families at the National Council of Disability (NCD) hearing about the problems of those with psychiatric disabilities. Many reported of routine use and overuse of psychiatric drugs, often administered…

This paper describes the outcomes of a study that explored the significance of the Severity of Illness Rating Scale (SIRS) as a tool for utilization review and program evaluation. The SIRS was first introduced in March 1993 and soon became the centerpiece for the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center's Utilization Review Plan. Since its…

Many small nursing homes can neither justify nor afford the services of a full-time inservice educator. But one nurse, functioning independently and serving a number of homes on a part-time basis, may be the solution to the problem. (Editor)

The danger of misusing a psychiatric withdrawal policy to remove students who are perceived as "troublesome" or eccentric is discussed. When violations of student conduct regulations have occurred, the frequent resort to psychiatric withdrawals will deny students and the campus the important benefits and protections associated with…

Providing housing and supports for people with psychiatric disabilities, particularly those who are homeless, is a major public policy challenge. Summarizes ways in which the concept of these needs is rapidly shifting in the mental health field. This population is increasingly seen as capable of full-community participation and integration. (AF)

A survey was made of provincial ministries and voluntary associations in nine Canadian provinces and two territories, to assess service provision to mentally retarded citizens with emotional problems. The survey focused on government agencies' involvement in service delivery, settings for short- and long-term care, quality of services available,…

Services for people with mental retardation in the Netherlands are examined, with emphasis on normalization, placement options including group homes and institutionalization, guidance for families through the Social Pedological Service, and the care of mental illness in mentally retarded persons through special diagnostic and treatment centers.…

Depression is increasingly recognized as a problem affecting adolescents as well as adults. Adolescents are underserved with regard to treatment facilities. One solution is the comprehensive health care clinic providing a holistic approach to assessment and intervention. Policy recommendations, which include a role for the school system, are made.…

The authors examined heterogeneity in symptom trajectories among youths following psychiatric crises as well as the psychosocial correlates and placement outcomes associated with identified trajectories. Using semiparametric mixture modeling with 156 youths approved for psychiatric hospitalization, the authors identified 5 trajectories based on…

This study examined the effectiveness of a behavioral mentoring program aimed at serving youth with psychiatric disorders. Participants included 30 youth (8-12 years old) receiving services in a mentoring program for a mental health population and 30 wait-listed youth and their maternal caregivers. Participating in mentoring services was related…

Objective: To consider the limited usefulness of expert guidelines for teaching psychopharmacology. Method: Potential problems using expert guidelines for teaching psychopharmacology are reviewed. Results: Expert guidelines are an important contribution to the growth of evidence-based psychiatry. As such, they may also be used to teach…

The literature on homeless adults with severe mental illness is generally silent on a critical issue surrounding service delivery--the contrast between housing first and treatment first program philosophies. This study draws on data from a longitudinal experiment contrasting a housing first program (which offers immediate permanent housing without…