Serious Mental Health Problems in the Community : Policy, Practice and Research

The shift in the care of people with serious mental illness to community-based care has been the subject of intense policy, educational and research activity, yet the provision of effective services remains problematic. This book brings together experts from a range of disciplines to provide a comprehensive and contemporary account of community services.
Section I: Contemporary Issues in Community Health Care Services provides an informed and critical overview of the effect of policy framework, organizational structures, economic issues and the principles of 'good' practice in the provision of community services for people with serious mental health problems.
Section II: Specific Intervention strategies summarises much of the work to date on working effectively with people who have serious mental health problems. It combines research evidence and practical illustrations of approaches and interventions with informed comment on their efficacy and implementation in routine clinical practice.
Chapters include key points, case studies, questions for reflection and discussion and suggested further reading. Relevant research and evidence is cited throughout and the need for further research in this area are emphasised.
All students and practitioners involved in planning, providing and evaluating services for people who have serious mental health problems will find this book an invaluable source of information for developing and delivering effective services.

Leading editors and contributors

Multidisciplinary perspectives, includes contributions from nurses, social workers, OTs and clinical psychologists

Evidence-based

First book to provide a comprehensive and practical overview of strategies for working in this area

Focuses on practice through case-studies

"This text will appeal to a wide professional audience owing to the breadth of the discussion; this does not, however, detract from the analytical and academic depth of the text." Nicole Clibbens, Clinical Effectiveness in Nursing
is the rarest of commodities - a book that explains things clearly and manages not to patronise. It also succeeds in making the reader feel equipped, rather than demoralised. Contributes hugely to the debate, and is honest and thought-provoking." Kate Bones, Nursing Times, Vol 94, no 36, 1998