This critical examination of the mental health system reveals a troubling paradox: despite an annual expenditure of $147 billion, a significant number of seriously mentally ill individuals remain homeless or incarcerated, while many families struggle to secure treatment for their loved ones. The author attributes this crisis to the mental health industry and government neglecting the 10 million adults with severe conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, focusing instead on the 43 million with milder symptoms. Drawing on extensive research, including industry documents and personal anecdotes from three decades of advocacy, the author highlights the dire consequences of current policies: the closure of psychiatric hospitals, increasingly restrictive involuntary commitment laws, and the resulting endangerment of the public and suffering of families. The book advocates for comprehensive reforms that prioritize services for the seriously ill, urging a shift from jails and shelters to effective treatment. It emphasizes the need for leadership over funding, proposing that the system must refocus on the most vulnerable individuals. This insightful work is essential for mental health professionals and anyone concerned with issues of mental illness, violence, homelessness, and public policy.
