This text takes a multidisciplinary approach to mental health and social policy. It covers mental health issues such as definitions of mental disorders, the epidemiology of mental illness, case management, community treatment, mental health research, and questions of mental health policy. New to this edition is a focus on and a thorough examination of how managed care is affecting the environment of mental health care and policy. Chapter 8 is an entirely new chapter on mental health managed care. The text includes the definitions of disability and the link to federal programs, housing and employment services that will be of special interest to social workers. Chapter 5 provides a history of mental health policy in the U.S. from its evolution to the present day, including the relationship of mental health policy to other types of government policies. The text also helps the student to understand the opportunities and constraints of fiscal policy and how financial arrangements affect mental illness.