Question

Please explain in DETAIL why mental health care services are important in the US.

*Please answer in DETAIL and provide ALL websites used*

Answer 1

Mental health care services important in the US:

According to several nationally representative studies millions of American adults nearly five to seven percent of the adults in US population are suffering from serious mental illness. The overlap in the populations that the corrections and mental health systems serve is significant: the US Department of Justice reported in 1999 that about 16 percent of the population in prison or jail has a serious mental illness. Frequently, the symptoms of mental illness contribute to individuals becoming involved with the criminal justice system in the first place and keep them incarcerated longer than other people. In addition, the stressful setting of a correctional facility can exacerbate mental illness and disrupt treatment

The demand for mental services is more elastic than the demand for other services because, there are less number of people who take these services as the prices for mental services will be price sensitive. A small decrease in the price of the mental health services will increase the demand by more than a percentage when compared to other services. Hence, demand for mental health services is more elastic than the demand for other services. These overlapping needs must be identified through screening and assessment, and met through services provided within and outside of correctional settings.

Stigma around mental illness presents another major obstacle to effective mental health care delivery. Bias, distrust, stereotyping, fear, embarrassment, anger, and/or avoidance can deter individuals from seeking-and the public from wanting to pay for-mental health care. Stigma also reduces patients' access to resources and opportunities (such as housing and jobs). Both through outright discrimination by providers and the public and by isolating and discouraging individuals with mental illness from pursuing full participation in society.

If the treatment for the mental health problems reduced in US, then people would prefer spending in mental health care. Brain is an important part of the body, treating mental health problems will mitigate most of the problems. So taking proper mental health care services was important to resolve future of several adults lives in US.

Reference:

http://www.who.int/mental_health/media/investing_mnh.pdf

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/federal-and-state-role-mental-health