This textbook provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the contemporary American mental health system, exploring its impact on clients and social workers. The failure of the system to provide quality care for the mentally ill is examined, including issues and policies that social workers face in accessing mental health care for their clients.

The Flaws in the System

The book delves into the lack of understanding of the roots of mental illness, the challenges in classification of mental disorders for social workers, and difficult behavioral manifestations of mental illness. It also addresses the flaws and disparities in the provision of mental health services, particularly in relation to the criminal justice system and homelessness and mental illness.

A Real-World Perspective

The textbook focuses on the lived experiences of the mentally ill and their families, as well as the experiences of social workers, adding a unique and real-world perspective. This approach enables social work students to apply policy and practice to improve mental health care in their everyday work.