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Mental Illness |
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Treatment SettingsTreatment for mental illness takes places in a number of settings. Mental hospitals or psychiatric wards in general hospitals are used to treat patients in acute phases of their illnesses and when the severity of their symptoms requires constant supervision. Most individuals who suffer from severe mental illness, however, do not require such close attention, and they can usually receive treatment in community settings. (Treatment Settings, Mental Illness, Mental hospitals or psychiatric)
A significant portion of the homeless population in the United States suffers from a chronic mental illness, such as schizophrenia. The shortage of mental health treatment centers in many cities may partly account for the large number of mentally ill people who are homeless or in jail. (Treatment Settings, Mental Illness, Mental hospitals or psychiatric) Often, patients who have just completed a period of hospitalization go to group homes or halfway houses before returning to independent living. These facilities offer patients the opportunity to take part in group activities and to receive training in social and job skills. In supportive housing, mentally ill individuals can live independently in an environment that offers an array of mental health and social services. Some people with chronic and severe mental illnesses require care in long-term facilities, such as nursing homes, where they can receive close supervision. (Treatment Settings, Mental Illness, Mental hospitals or psychiatric) Unfortunately, many areas have a shortage of treatment centers, especially community mental health centers and supportive housing environments. This shortage may partly account for the large number of mentally ill people who are homeless or in jail. See Homelessness. (Treatment Settings, Mental Illness, Mental hospitals or psychiatric) |
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