The New Freedom Commission on Mental Health has released an interim report to the President calling for dramatic reform at all levels of service delivery. The report describes the current mental health system as an inefficient maze of private, federal, state and local government programs with scattered responsibility for services that frustrates both people with mental illness and providers of care,
The Interim Report notes that recovery from mental illness is a reality and that a range of safe and effective treatments, services and supports exist for men, women and children with mental illness. Yet, half of all people who need treatment for mental illness do not receive it. The rate is even lower for racial and ethnic minorities and the quality of care they receive is poorer.
The Commission identified barriers to quality care and recovery. These include fragmentation and gaps in care for children, adults and older adults. The current system appears to reward dependency through a mix of inadequate rehabilitation, and disincentives to work. The Commission suggests that the problems reflect a failure to make mental health a national priority.
The Commission Chairman notes that "Too many people with mental illness are trapped in a 'disability welfare system' that badly serves them. And, although many children with emotional disorders are very bright, fewer than half ever graduate from high school. The failure to support employment and school success is a disgrace."
The Commission's interim report found that the system is not oriented to the single most important goal of the people it serves - the hope of recovery. In its next phase of work, the Commission will be addressing ways to break down the barriers to recovery. The Commission has already identified some creative, community-based programs that blend the promise of modern science with the compassion of skilled professionals.
Additional information about the Interim Report are available at www.MentalHealthCommission.gov/press/nov1_summary.htm.