In an opposing viewpoint for USA Today (1/11), Wayne Lindstrom, CEO of Mental Health America, contends, “Rather than forcing more people into treatment, we should dedicate adequate resources toward prevention and early identification of emotional disturbances in children and fund cost-effective community-based interventions that work.” Lindstrom points out that “just two-thirds of those with severe mental illness and one-third with moderate illness receive appropriate services.” He concludes, “Expanding access to care under the Affordable Care Act and mental health parity law will serve people better than changing commitment laws that will change nothing.”
Related Links:
— “Opposing view: Don’t link violence with mental illness, “Wayne Lindstrom, USA Today, January 10, 2013.