Effects of fiscal retrenchment on public mental health services for the chronic mentally ill

In reviewing the public mental health services of 11 California counties during a period of fiscal retrenchment, found several common trends: a greater focus on the severely mentally disabled; an increase in utilization of hospital-based care, residential treatment, day treatment and case-management services; and a decrease in the capacity of traditional outpatient services. Implies that these service systems continue to be inadequate for their long-term maintenance and support. (Abstract amended)