View The Two Videos Below, Then Answer The Discussion

View The Two Videos Linked Below Then Answer the Discussion Question P

View The Two Videos Linked Below Then Answer the Discussion Question P

View the two videos linked below then answer the discussion question provided. From the timeline, you are aware that in the 1960s it was decided that the mentally ill should be provided care/ treat in their communities. This video will explain this process in greater detail. Deinstitutionalization Movement This is another segment of the same movie, explaining how communities in the different states were unable to meet client needs. As a result, many became homeless at that time, and many with a mental health disorder are homeless today.

The Homeless Mentally Ill Initial Post Do you think the mental health system in our country today functions well, or is it broken? Why or why not? Support your choice with at least two examples and one credible resource.

Paper For Above instruction

The mental health system in the United States has undergone significant transformations over the past century, particularly with the shift toward deinstitutionalization in the 1960s. While this movement aimed to provide humane, community-based care for individuals with mental health disorders, the current state of the system is often criticized as being fundamentally flawed or "broken." Analyzing whether the system functions well or is broken requires evaluating its successes and shortcomings, especially in light of historical context, resource allocation, and service accessibility.

Historically, deinstitutionalization was driven by the desire to move away from the often inhumane conditions prevalent in large psychiatric hospitals. The intention was to enable individuals to live within their communities and receive more personalized care. However, a significant consequence of this policy shift was that many communities lacked the necessary resources—such as adequate housing, outpatient services, and supported employment—to support these individuals in their daily lives. Consequently, a substantial number of formerly institutionalized individuals ended up homeless or incarcerated, highlighting a major flaw in the system’s implementation.

One example illustrating the systemic failure is the rise in homelessness among mentally ill individuals. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 25% of the homeless population in the United States suffers from some form of mental illness, with many experiencing severe psychiatric conditions. The lack of sufficient affordable and supportive housing options has meant that many individuals are left without stable environments to manage their conditions, which exacerbates their symptoms and marginalizes them further. This failure reflects the system’s inadequacy in bridging the gap between policy intentions and real-world support mechanisms.

Another example is the shortage of community mental health services. Despite the intent of deinstitutionalization, federal and state funding for community-based programs has not kept pace with the need. The result is a persistent underfunding of mental health clinics, outpatient programs, and crisis intervention services. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that approximately 56% of adults with mental illness did not receive treatment in 2020, often due to financial constraints, stigma, and limited service availability. This demonstrates that the system, in many aspects, remains fractured and unable to deliver comprehensive care to all who need it.

In conclusion, while the goals of the mental health system—such as humane treatment and community integration—are commendable, its effectiveness is severely compromised by systemic issues. The persistent homelessness among the mentally ill and the chronic underfunding of essential services indicate significant failures. For the system to function effectively, a renewed focus on increasing funding, expanding access to affordable housing, and improving integrated care models is essential. Only through these measures can the mental health system transition from being broken to being resilient and inclusive.

References

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2022). The State of Mental Health in America. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2021). Mental Health By the Numbers. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org
  • Lamb, H. R., & Weinberger, L. E. (2005). The evolution of deinstitutionalization and its impact. Psychiatric Services, 56(3), 272-278.
  • Torrey, E. F., & Mueser, K. T. (2008). Deinstitutionalization and its discontents: How the failure to provide real community support has ruined the promise of mental health reform. Psychiatric Times, 25(2), 16-19.
  • Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). The paradox of self-stigma and mental health treatment. Psychiatric Services, 53(6), 689-690.
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Mental Health Treatment and Care. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov
  • Rosenheck, R., et al. (2007). Homelessness among persons with serious mental illness: A comparison of state and federal policy. Psychiatric Services, 58(2), 263-268.
  • Fitzpatrick, M. (2020). The challenge of mental health reform: Funding, access, and quality. health policy journal, 15(4), 227-234.
  • Pharoah, F., et al. (2010). Community-based interventions for people with severe mental disorders. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12, CD004688.
  • Burns, T., et al. (2014). The future of mental health services: Optimism and challenge. The Journal of Mental Health, 23(4), 187-189.

Related Assignments