Services for the Severely Mentally Ill

A proposal has been submitted to the NIMH to study services for the severely mentally ill, examine interactions between the patient and the physical and social environment and identify factors crucial to reducing rehospitalization and improving psychosocial outcomes for the population. The study is designed to test the utility of a theoretical framework for integrating disparate existing knowledge. Results are expected to suggest specific interventive strategies leading to increased patient empowerment and improved service systems. Dr. Mark Mattaini (CUSSW faculty) is principal investigator; Dr. Stuart A. Kirk (CUSSW faculty) and Dr. Bruce Link (Columbia University School of Public Health) are senior researchers and coinvestigators.