Providing integrated mental health services: a policy and management perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To review the challenge of providing integrated mental health services from a policy and health management perspective.


CONCLUSIONS
The provision of integrated mental health services involving specialist mental health services, general practitioners, psychiatric disability and rehabilitation services and public community health services is a major challenge in the Australian health care context and is increasingly an expectation of the community. Government, Divisions of General Practice and public community health policy and many Government, State and local initiatives have attempted to address this challenge. However, much remains to be done, including culture change within services and professions and the development of technology to support integrated service provision.
Callaly
Tom
T
Community and Mental Health, Barwon Health, Geelong, Vic., Australia. thomas@barwonhealth.org.au
Fletcher
Anna
A
D001315:Australia; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence