Programs that identify and provide treatment for individuals whose personal condition and social experiences could potentially produce mental, emotional or social dysfunctions with the objective of preventing their development; or which conduct general screening efforts to identify and treat children who have emerging problems to ensure the best possible prognosis.
Programs that pay the mental health care expenses of people who are unable to obtain necessary care without assistance. Mental health expense assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.
Programs that provide information through a variety of channels that improves the public's understanding of mental health and mental illness; the nature, etiology, diagnosis and treatment or management of specific mental disorders; and strategies for reducing the incidence of problems where possible. Mental health education programs help people make informed decisions about matters that affect their personal mental health and that of others. They inform the public of the risk factors and signs of mental health problems, encourage people to take advantage of early detection programs, help people modify behaviours that compromise their own mental health and provide support for family members and friends who are coping with mental illness or other mental health issues that have affected a loved one.
Programs that link people who are in need of counselling services with private therapists who are qualified in the desired area of specialization.
Programs that provide services that facilitate the return to the community of people who have been hospitalized for treatment of acute or chronic mental or emotional disturbances.
The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.