Look at these settings to learn more about the way these mental health services operate. | ||
Primary health care services
These include community health clinics and doctors in general practice. Their role is to identify the problem, manage the ongoing treatment and possibly refer to specialist mental health services.
Psychiatric hospitals/units
Up until 30 years ago people with mental health problems often spent long periods of time in psychiatric hospitals, where they became institutionalised. Now, admission to a psychiatric hospital or unit is seen as a temporary measure. An integral aspect of recovery is to ensure the person is able to return to the community as soon as possible.
Psycho-social rehabilitation programs
These can include vocational training, supported employment and social and living skills training. One model of vocational rehabilitation services is the Endeavour Foundation in Queensland which is one of the largest non-government organisations in Australia. Endeavour provides supported employment services for over 3,000 people with a disability.
Consumer run models
Self-help groups (eg GROW, Schizophrenia Fellowship, Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill) provide support and information to people with a mental illness and their relatives and friends. They frequently advocate on behalf of people with a mental illness and their families and lobby governments for funding and services.
Mental health promotion services
These services focus on the promotion of emotional and social wellbeing in communities and in individuals by improving the social, physical and economic environments that affect mental health.
Mental health prevention services
These programs are aimed at decreasing the incidence of mental health problems.