Providing a Range of Services to Fit the Needs of Youth in Community Mental Health Centers

Abstract

Community mental health centers (CMHCS) share a rich history in the US, which dates back to the period immediately following World War II. Before this time, mental health issues were stigmatized and many people with mental illness remained without effective treatment or were institutionalized (Grob, 1991). Presently, CMHCS around the country provide a range of services individualized to their own communities and are less bound by clients' abilities to pay than many other service delivery institutions. Although they serve their specific community needs, CMHCS continue to provide primary services to their individual clients. Services are usually divided into adult and child services, with treatment ranging from mild difficulties to severe or chronic mental illness. Services for youths in CMHCS can be categorized into outpatient and community-based alternatives. Outpatient services encompass more traditional services including individual, family, and group treatment. In addition, medication services are provided on an outpatient basis. Community-based alternatives have been guided by system-of-care principles and are being increasingly used by professionals, particularly for youth identified as SED. Examples of these community-based services include case management, Wraparound Care, Family Preservation, and Multisystemic Treatment (MST). Individual centers may differ in how they carry out these services, but general ideologies are similar across communities. Each of these services is highlighted in this chapter. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of the CMHCS are examined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)