In a national survey of psychological testing, researchers have suggested that future surveys of test use should report separately for individual settings. The purpose of this investigation was to gauge the status of psychological test usage in a specific type of agency. Outpatient mental health facilities and community clinics in the United…

Fischer presented a methodological framework which combined empirical methods of data collection with interpretive and philosophical approaches to provide a useful model for studying mental health policy for children and adolescents. The levels of the method include: (1) study of cause-effect relationships; (2) phenomenological analysis to…

Expanding mental health services for the elderly are increasing the demand for trained paraprofessionals. Skills are identified which are needed by paraprofessionals providing psycho-social support services in a variety of gerontological settings in order to clarify appropriate paraprofessional functions and develop a model for competency-based…

This paper discusses the integration of educational and mental health services for children and adolescents within a psychiatric day treatment setting at the Bradley School housed in a private psychiatric hospital affiliated with Brown University in Rhode Island. A full range of mental health services are used, and therapies are delivered in the…

This needs assessment study of mental health needs of the elderly in Pennsylvania used a three-part approach. These parts were a review of existing data sources, an extensive key informant study, and a review of service delivery models. A recent study found a prevalence rate for mental illness in the elderly of 12.8%, more than 5% lower than the…

Discusses the present human resource dilemma facing mental health administrators in these times: the problem of doing more with less, using a weary and beleaguered staff. Addresses possible leadership strategies that will carry the field into the future, beyond the day-to-day concern for immediate survival. Discusses how future leaders in field…

Recommendations made by a Special Subpanel on Mental Health of Asian and Pacific Americans of the President's Commission on Mental Health are discussed in this paper. The subpanel determined that racism is the most pervasive mental health problem confronting Asian and Pacific Americans. The nine recommendations made by the subpanel focus on social…

Discusses these changes in mental health care: patient needs and service utilization; purchasers of care; changing attitudes toward health care; relief or palliation of symptoms; performing life tasks and meeting role requirements; security, protection, and sustenance; and personal potential, satisfaction, and happiness. Concludes changes will…

Presents overview of four discussion groups' reactions to White's "Critical Issue Paper 3: Human Resource Development: The Future Through People." Topics discussed include personal leadership style and changes in the mental health field; changing health care and implications for administrators; intraorganizational focus, leader role, and processes…

Presents summaries of four group discussions on topics raised by Broskowski's paper "Critical Issue Paper 1: Goldfields and Minefields: Changing Management Technologies and Resources." Outlines ideas and recommendations that arose as common themes from the discussions in these areas: preprofessional training, inservice training needs, technical…

Discusses these trends in mental health services: cost control and financial retrenchment, policy influence and funding, shift of long-term care responsibility, expansion of private health care market interest, and change in characteristics of mentally ill. Recommends information enhancements, market potentials, alternative organizational…

Presents overall summary of the 1986 State-of-the-Art Symposium on Mental Health Administration whose papers and summaries of group discussions are presented previously in this journal. Presents list of 10 topics in contemporary mental health administration which were highlighted. Lists five recommendations made by conferees related to research,…

In spite of the development of medical services in Asian countries, mental illness and mental health services remain a stigma. An awareness of the causes and consequences of mental illness is also lacking. Since the 1990s, much work has been done in Malaysia to advance the people's concepts about the scientific approach to mental illness and to…

A project implemented by a school of nursing and social work at one university and evaluated by a school of education at another is described. The project, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, trained 128 personnel from 32 nursing homes in strategies to raise the mental status of residents. Evaluation results indicated a desired…

Discusses relationship of technology to strategic planning, intraorganizational skills, interorganizational skills, and financial management skills needed in future for mental health administrators. Contends future administrators must take responsibilities seriously and invest in maintaining technical skills and advances in contemporary business…