Serious and persistent mental illness is more prevalent than most people realize. By including just schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder in the count, the frequency approximates 1 in 10 of the population.

At present, it is not possible to cure mental illness, but it is certainly possible to treat it successfully: as successfully, in fact, as cardiovascular disease. The huge fly in the ointment, however, is that for a variety of reasons, access to treatment of mental illness is seriously inadequate. Indeed, half of the individuals living with SMI are not receiving any treatment at all.

This book addresses a range of issues related to serious and persistent mental illness and how problematic the country’s public policy is with regard to dealing with it. It is hoped that this little book will help to change this situation for the better.