National Mental Health Advocates Develop Vision for Mental Health and Substance Use Care in the US

Policy News Update by Tony Ohlhausen, NAMI Chicago Policy Manager
January 2021

To continue supporting people living with mental health conditions across the country, national mental health advocates, including NAMI, came together to develop a comprehensive vision to create a comprehensive mental health system in every state and nationally. This vision provides a platform to create a paradigm shift in the way mental health, substance use, and well-being are prioritized by policymakers. 

Critical elements of this work include: 

  • Early identification and prevention- Outcomes can be greatly improved by focusing on prevention, early identification and intervention, with a focus on children, youth, and families.

  • Emergency and crisis response- Currently, responses to mental health crises often result in negative outcomes - physical harm, trauma, and criminal justice involvement. Creating systems of care for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis will improve outcomes and promote recovery.

  • Equity- Racism, historical inequities, and discriminatory structures and policies disproportionately impact the mental health of people of color within and outside the mental health system. By addressing these traumatic inequities, we can reduce stigma and improve mental health in all communities.

  • Integration- By integrating physical health, mental health, and substance use services, we can improve quality and outcomes by treating the whole person.

  • Parity- Ensure fair and equivalent coverage for mental health and substance use disorders.

  • Standards- High quality services are necessary to achieve positive outcomes for individuals living with mental health conditions. Systems of accountability improve outcomes and quality of life.

  • Workforce- Increase the number and diversity of mental health and substance use disorder providers, including peer providers.

Read the Unified Vision for Transforming Mental Health and Substance Use Care by clicking here.

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