Reviews literature on the effects of deinstitutionalization policies on women who are mentally ill, and also discusses women who care for this population. Asserts that sex role biases contribute to service planning for the mentally ill, and calls attention to the potentially destructive effect these policies could have on patients of both sexes.…

Describes characteristics, employment setting, and professional practices of health service-provider psychologists. Discusses their current status in psychology, the distribution of health care practitioners, patterns of specialization in service delivery, and populations being served by these practitioners. (Author/MJL)

Identifies instances where different treatments are given men and women and women get inferior therapy. Also notes times when similar treatments are given men and women but in a way appropriate only for males. Discusses both sex between patients and therapists and "the possible imposition of sex role stereotypes on females by their therapists."…

Identifies and discusses three major themes guiding research on mental health in adolescence. Reviews empirical investigations of adolescent mental health and development within the social context of the family. (Author/BJV)

Providing housing and supports for people with psychiatric disabilities, particularly those who are homeless, is a major public policy challenge. Summarizes ways in which the concept of these needs is rapidly shifting in the mental health field. This population is increasingly seen as capable of full-community participation and integration. (AF)

Examines research on the fundamental contexts for social contact: the family and networks of social support. It focuses on the processes and dynamics within these systems of relationships that are considered vitally important to normal and abnormal mental and emotional development. (GR)

Examines forces motivating reform in mental health services, suggesting that mental health practitioners and researchers have relied on traditional and apparently unsuccessful methods (with little or no scientific support) to ensure service quality and effectiveness; debunking six myths about mental health services; and suggesting that…

In response to the serious crisis in mental health care for children in the United States, this article proposes as a priority for psychology a comprehensive approach that treats mental health as a primary issue in child health and welfare. Consistent with the principles of a system of care and applying epidemiological, risk-development, and…

For decades, empirically tested youth interventions have prevented dysfunction by addressing risk and ameliorated dysfunction through treatment. The authors propose linking prevention and treatment within an integrated model. The model suggests a research agenda: Identify effective programs for a broadened array of problems and disorders, examine…

Discusses gender differences in mental disorder. Presents a research agenda for women's mental health research in the following areas: (1) diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders; (2) mental health issues for older women; (3) multiple roles; and (4) poverty. Discusses gender bias in research. (JS)

Considers the effects of marital disruption on children and families, using a risk and resilience perspective. Highlights the importance of understanding pathways toward risk and resilience following divorce and how to integrate this research into effective, evidence-based preventive interventions and proactive social policies that foster…

Psychologists must help to create a national atmosphere that would facilitate progress on critical issues affecting children and families by monitoring the quality and outreach of child services and serving as advocates for children in the political arena. (Author/GC)

Recent research suggests that approximately one-third of homeless single adults suffer from severe mental illnesses. Discusses federal initiatives undertaken by the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) to encourage research and improve services for this subgroup. Describes the target population, NIMH research findings, and current mental…

Mental illness has a catastrophic impact on the family, subjecting its members to severe burden and life stress. In addition, families are often implicated in the origins of the illness by themselves, society, and mental health professionals. New alliances with clinicians are helping to support and destigmatize these families. (AF)

Summarizes research suggesting that refugees, being an at-risk population, are especially suited to primary mental health prevention. Describes research on stress and acculturation and its importance to prevention in refugee mental health. Examples of primary prevention programs at the local, national, and international levels are given. (CJS)