Care for the Mentally Ill An estimated one in four Americans suffer from mental illness, a number that adds up to over 45 million people (Barbara Wexler). This is not a number to be ignored and one that certainly isn’t. Over half of those aged eighteen and older received the treatment they needed between 2005 and 2006. This percentage is expected to rise and continue to rise as further developments are made to support the mentally ill; as of now, all that can be done for those suffering from a form of a mental disorder is being done.
Many Americans have doubts or worries that the mentally ill are not given the proper assistance they deserve. Although a total, 58.7% of mentally ill patients aged eighteen and older receive the proper treatment …show more content…
Even if the prices of these medicines are rising, “medications…[are] a primary focus for reducing costs” (Matthew Nelson). Other types of similar action is being taken to contribute to the mentally ill. For instance, Pennsylvania developed a program that provides therapy and care for the mentally ill as well as housing, jobs, and keeps them out of the criminal-justice system if needed. In 2008, “Sally Judson was arrested for prostitution and disorderly conduct. She was also charged with resisting arrest and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia” (Sasha Abramsky). Judson has schizoaffective disorder, which causes hallucinations and mood disorder symptoms like depression. After being identified as mentally ill, Judson was sent to a local crisis center and was required to take drug rehab. As her treatment continued, she was moved to a halfway house and was assisted in finding a job as a waitress while taking therapy sessions once a week. Her treatment was described as “intense,” and that “it’s [a] very intense supervision” (Sasha Abramsky). Others such as Judson are receiving similar help in reforming their lives and an advanced form of
Many Americans have doubts or worries that the mentally ill are not given the proper assistance they deserve. Although a total, 58.7% of mentally ill patients aged eighteen and older receive the proper treatment …show more content…
Even if the prices of these medicines are rising, “medications…[are] a primary focus for reducing costs” (Matthew Nelson). Other types of similar action is being taken to contribute to the mentally ill. For instance, Pennsylvania developed a program that provides therapy and care for the mentally ill as well as housing, jobs, and keeps them out of the criminal-justice system if needed. In 2008, “Sally Judson was arrested for prostitution and disorderly conduct. She was also charged with resisting arrest and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia” (Sasha Abramsky). Judson has schizoaffective disorder, which causes hallucinations and mood disorder symptoms like depression. After being identified as mentally ill, Judson was sent to a local crisis center and was required to take drug rehab. As her treatment continued, she was moved to a halfway house and was assisted in finding a job as a waitress while taking therapy sessions once a week. Her treatment was described as “intense,” and that “it’s [a] very intense supervision” (Sasha Abramsky). Others such as Judson are receiving similar help in reforming their lives and an advanced form of