One of the most exciting things to happen in the field of mental
health is the effort to share a clearer understanding of what persons with
mental illness go through in dealing with their illness. More and more,
research (and the calls from consumers) confirm what is just common sense:
people want to know what is happening to them; how to deal with it; and how
to get the effective help they need.
But what is almost equally as important is for the families, friends,
and relatives who care for persons with mental illness to share a similar
understanding. Consumers know how distressing the symptoms are--and how it
can frighten or upset those who are expected to have empathy.
Persons with mental illness want to be understood--and know they are
not alone in wrestling with such a difficult brain disease.
The federal government believes in the importance of such programs and
is highlighting it as an evidence-based practice that should be the
standard at mental health programs.
(The website can be found at the National Mental Health
Information Center)
http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/communitysupport/toolkits/family/.)
SAMHSA has also made available a range of resources:
- A
Summary for Professionals
- A
Summary for Practitioners and Clinical Supervisors
- A
Workbook for Practitioners and Practical Supervision (This
latter is an excellent resource for becoming familiar with the
methodology. It can also be found at the SAMHSA EBP Toolkit Site if
preferred. Please see:
http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/communitysupport/toolkits/family/workbook/default.asp.)
[N.B.: An interesting note: the Michigan Department of Community
Health is also working to mandate Psychoeducational Programs as an
evidence-based practice to be implemented by all Prepaid
Inpatient health Plans as part of their continuing effort to become
scientifically-based practice systems.]
