An individual can get mental health services through public or private care. Public mental health services usually include public hospitals and community programs, while private care usually involves private clinics, psychiatrists, and hospitals.



Most research has found that it is better to treat mental illnesses in the community rather than in hospitals. Community mental health services include three major components; a case manager, crisis teams, and support teams. A case manager is an individual that tracks a patient’s progress, makes sure that they get the services they need, and will help educate family and friends that are helping the patient. Crisis teams provide help to people suffering from serious mental illness. They may set up visiting the person regularly in their home, or even hospital stays if needed. Support teams provide long-term care. They try to help a person achieve the highest quality of life possible and also help them maintain their treatment plan. Mutual support groups, and groups that help people find jobs, and receive an education are also often a part of community health services.

Clinical treatments, or medication is another way mental illness is treated. For people who suffer from serious mental illness medication is often a necessary part of treatment. The three main types of medication used to treat mental illness are antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, and mood stabilizing medications. Antidepressants are successful in treating 70 percent of people with depression. Antipsychotics are used to treat people with illnesses such as schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers are also used to treat bipolar disorder.

Psychological therapy can also be beneficial in helping people manage mental illness symptoms. Psychological therapy helps a patient alter their perception and reactions to their illness so that they can better control it. Occasionally involuntary treatment is needed to protect the person, but it is best if treatment is voluntary and if it is done through community mental health services before trying hospitalization.