Work

Australia's National Mental Health Strategy

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Australia commenced a 5-year reform of mental health services in 1993. AIMS: To report on the changes to mental health services achieved by 1998. METHOD: Analysis of data from the Australian National Mental Health Report 2000 and an independent evaluation of the National Mental Health Strategy. RESULTS: Mental health expenditure increased 30% in real terms, with an 87% growth in community expenditures, a 38% increase in general hospitals and a 29% decrease in psychiatric hospitals. The growth in private psychiatry, averaging 6% annually prior to 1992, was reversed. Consumer and carer involvement in services increased. CONCLUSIONS: Major structural reform was achieved but there was limited evidence that these changes had been accompanied by improved service quality. The National Mental Health Strategy was renewed for another 5 years.

Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1192/bjp.180.3.210

Authors: Harvey Whiteford, Bill Buckingham, Ronald Manderscheid

Institutions: The University of Queensland, United States Department of Health and Human Services

Language: English

Topic: Psychiatric care and mental health services

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,920