Family Unit Approach
The Parkers case highlights the significant shortcomings of the current US mental health care system. One is the mental health care system’s structural approach to patients with chronic mental illnesses as isolated objects. Health care and social professionals treated Sara and Stephanie as unrelated patients, although they were to be treated as a family unit (Plummer et al., 2014). It can be said that it is necessary to implement such structural elements as the family’s mental health medical history. It means that if a person experiences a relapse or another mental disorder, then medical professionals should offer testing and treatment to the patient and those family members with a history of mental illness.
The Lack of Professional Competence
Another significant gap is the lack of professional competence in medical and social specialists regarding chronic psychiatric conditions. The analysis of the Parkers case shows Sara not only has depression but an obsessive-compulsive disorder as well. Symptoms such as compulsive hoarding disorder, compulsive shopping disorder, and anxiety disorder indicate that Sara may have this mental illness (Plummer et al., 2014). The skills and knowledge of medical workers are fundamental elements of the mental health care system. Therefore, improving professional competence in the field of chronic mental illnesses should be a primary objective for the industry.
A Need for a Paradigmatic Shift
Mental health medical institutions need to understand that a paradigm shift is necessary for their relationship with insurance companies regarding patients with chronic mental illnesses. Sara and Stephanie’s case shows that the pressure that insurance companies put on medical and social workers is interfering with the process of treating patients (Plummer et al., 2014). Moreover, the current cost-oriented approach harms the mental health of patients. Advocacy for the interests of patients with chronic mental illnesses, rather than insurance companies, should be the primary goal for medical and social workers.
Environmental Stressors and Mental Illness
Both genetic characteristics and environmental factors affect the mental health of people. The social environment can have both a positive impact and act as an environmental stressor. Bullying is one such aggravating environmental stressor. Seong Cho’s case shows that bullying contributes to the development of selective mutism and leads to tragic consequences (Popple & Leighninger, 2019). According to Popple and Leighninger (2019), “Seong Cho bought two handguns and entered two campus buildings, killing 32 students and faculty before killing himself” (p. 161). Poverty can also be considered as an environmental stressor. Poor people often can not afford quality medicines, treatment, or health insurance, even with government support. Poverty not only interrupts treatment for people with mental disorders but also indirectly exacerbates symptoms, worsening the general condition.
Current Mental Health Care System Topics
The US mental health policymakers identify five current significant topics. The top priority is “financing and training of the peer workforce” (“Public policy,” n.d., para. 8). Another focus of mental health care policymakers is “prevention and early intervention for children, youth and young adults” “Public policy,” n.d., para. 9). Policymakers also pay attention to the topics of accessibility to mental services and institutions, prevention of suicide in all social groups, and improvement of workplace mental health. Nevertheless, several systematic problems of mental health care remain unaddressed.
Unaddressed Mental Health Care System Issues
Despite the actions taken, specialists identify several problems, which require an early solution. Researchers claim that “youth mental health is worsening” (“The state of mental health in America,” n.d., para. 3). Suicide rates among the adult population are on the rise (“The state of mental health in America,” n.d.). A large number of young people cannot afford insurance that covers mental illness and disorders (“The state of mental health in America,” n.d.). Young people and adults do not receive the necessary mental treatment (“The state of mental health in America,” n.d.) It can be assumed that the solution to these problems is complicated due to the lack of funding and US domestic policy, namely the federal government’s reluctance to implement the universal health care system. Therefore, hypothetical strategies for solving these issues should include such areas as financing, organization of services, advocacy, and information systems (World Health Organization, 2004). The intersectoral collaboration of social workers with various institutions would also accelerate the solution of the described problems.
New Jersey Mental Health Care System Commitment Standards and Services
New Jersey’s mental health commitment standards are consistent with human rights and US law. According to officials, “DMHS is committed to helping the people it serves find the treatment and support services they need in the least restrictive setting possible” (“Mental health,” n.d., para. 5). Socialization and reintegration of people who experienced mental disorders and illnesses are also one of the key goals of DMHS (“Mental health,” n.d.). DMHS provides all those in need with services such as crisis and screening centers, state psychiatric and county hospitals, suicide prevention services, hotlines, and recovery centers (“Mental health,” n.d.). It is also important to mention the disaster mental health services for people affected by natural and social accidents.
References
Mental health. (n.d.). Department of Human Services. Web.
Plummer, S.-B., Markis, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Sessions: Case histories. Laureate International Universities Publishing, Inc.
Popple, P. R., & Leighninger, L. (2019). The policy-based profession: An introduction to social welfare policy analysis for social workers (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
Public policy. (n.d.). Mental Health America.
The state of mental health in America. (n.d.). Mental Health America.
World Health Organization. (2004). Mental health policy and service guidance package: Mental health policy, plans and programmes. Web.