Community Mental Health

Overview

Mental illness is a growing concern in the United States, and one which needs to be examined at the community level; not just on an individual basis. Professionals working in community health situations need to have an understanding of community mental health in order to assess and help prevent illness and develop, implement and evaluate social programs to help with the escalating problems related to mental illness. Community Mental Health provides comprehensive coverage of various community mental health problems and ways to address them. Community problems that are escalating in our country, such as violence and substance abuse will be covered in great detail and model programs will be spotlighted. This text serves as a comprehensive guide for community health and public health professionals.

Instructor Resources, including PowerPoint Presentations, a TestBank, and an Instructor Manual are available as free downloads.

Table of Contents

Unit I: Understanding Mental Health and Illness
Chapter 1: An Overview of Mental Health and Illness
Chapter 2: Fundamentals of Mental Illness
Chapter 3: Culture and Mental Health

Unit II: Governance and the Mental Health Care System
Chapter 4: Legal and Ethical Issues
Chapter 5: The Mental Health Care System

Unit III: Mental Health Across the Lifespan
Chapter 6: Children and Adolescents and Mental Health
Chapter 7: Adults and Mental Health
Chapter 8: Older Adults and Mental Health

Unit IV: Community Mental Health
Chapter 9: Community Mental Health Problems: Part I
Chapter 10: Community Mental Health Problems: Part II
Chapter 11: Mental Health Promotion

Unit V: A Vision for the Future
Chapter 12: A Vision for the Future

About the Author(s)

Lois Ritter, EdD, MS, MA-Assistant Professor Nursing and Health Science , California State University East Bay

Dr. Lois A. Ritter has earned a doctorate in education and masters degrees in health science and anthropology. She is an assistant professor in the nursing and health sciences department California State University, East Bay. She teaches community health, research, and evaluation courses. Dr. Ritter is a consultant in public health and education. She has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field and has designed and implemented research and evaluation studies at statewide and national levels.