The Prevailing Problem With Mental Health Care In America

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mental health conditions are prevalent in this country and sadly we have a serious lack of professionals and facilities to deal with it along with very little funding to care for those with these conditions.

It is estimated that 10 million Americans, almost five percent, are living with these issues but only about two thirds of the most severely mentally ill will receive any type of mental health services. People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other severe mental illnesses often complicated by substance misuse need effective, safe, evidence-based treatments as well as community resources where their clinical service needs can be met. The federal department of health and human services (HHS) has only one division aimed at helping mental health patients. Leading scientists are suggesting the entire system needs to be revamped.