"Mental health care" is a pretty broad term. So what is it specifically, according to the government?
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Any diagnosed mental disorder listed in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders) is considered a disability, which qualifies an individual who has a mental illness for some government entitlement programs.
According to Mental Health America (who are pioneers in fighting for protections for people with mental health issues), care is covered through a variety of ways on the federal level.
Although it (and other entitlements) doesn't focus on solely mental health care, Medicare is the largest funder of mental health services in the US. Generally, it covers hospital services, whether inpatient or outpatient, which of course many with mental illness need to undergo.
The government may also give states Mental Health Block Grants to help fund their community behavioral services. The National Council of Behavioral Health says that these grants may help fund "supported employment, supported housing, rehabilitation services, crisis stabilization, peer specialist and consumer-directed services, wraparound services for children and families, jail diversion programs, and services for special populations". Most of these services are not covered by Medicare or the government.
Without specific wording, it can be hard to tell what the government thinks is "mental health care". But the truth is, they treat it just like any other physical condition, for better or for worse. When it comes to getting the right care, it may be find to find - but chances are the government has paid up for it.
Future research question: Is the government spending too much on prescription drugs? Should they spend more on alternative mental health treatments?
