more on Mental Health Screening for All Americans Proposed?

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Paul Lembesis <lembesis () emerson-associates com>
Date: August 10, 2004 1:25:46 PM EDT
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Re: [IP] Mental Health Screening for All Americans Proposed?


Dave,

It seems to me that the report is just talking about health care 
providers,
teachers and welfare workers "screening" in the sense of noticing 
behavior
that might indicate a mental health problem, and then having 
professional
evaluations available.  This would be similar to having these people 
notice
a physical ailment.

Here is what the Executive Summary says:

Goal 4 - Early Mental Health Screening, Assessment, and Referral to 
Services
Are Common Practice

    In a transformed mental health system, the early detection of mental
health problems in children and adults - through routine and 
comprehensive
testing and screening - will be an expected and typical occurrence. At 
the
first sign of difficulties, preventive interventions will be started to 
keep
problems from escalating. For example, a child whose serious emotional
disturbance is identified early will receive care, preventing the 
potential
onset of a co-occurring substance use disorder and breaking a cycle that
otherwise can lead to school failure and other problems.

    Quality screening and early intervention will occur in both readily
accessible, low-stigma settings, such as primary health care facilities 
and
schools, and in settings in which a high level of risk exists for mental
health problems, such as criminal justice, juvenile justice, and child
welfare systems. Both children and adults will be screened for mental
illnesses during their routine physical exams.

    For consumers of all ages, early detection, assessment, and links 
with
treatment and supports will help prevent mental health problems from
worsening. Service providers across settings will also routinely screen 
for
co-occurring mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Early
intervention and appropriate treatment will also improve outcomes and 
reduce
pain and suffering for children and adults who have or who are at risk 
for
co-occurring mental and addictive disorders.

    Early detection of mental disorders will result in substantially 
shorter
and less disabling courses of impairment.
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov/reports/Finalreport/FullReport.htm



Warm regards,

Paul Lembesis




On 8/10/04 12:00 PM, "dave () farber net" <dave () farber net> wrote:

> ___
>
> Dave Farber  +1 412 726 9889
>
>
>
> ...... Forwarded Message .......
> From: "Kaiser, June" <JKaiser () birch com>
> To: dave () farber net
> Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 10:40:18 -0500
> Subj: RE: [IP] Mental Health Screening for All Americans Proposed?
>
> Here's the link
>
> http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov/reports/reports.htm
>
>
>
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