The Social Justice of Providing Mental Health Services: Access to Care in an Era before Universal Health Care Reform

Author

Amber Lucas

Date of Award

2010

Document Type

Thesis

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Abstract

As the need for mental health services increases, the gap between the individual and appropriate care management grows larger every day. Subsequently, this lack of mental health care stresses the economy, the health care system, and the well-being of the community at whole. Unmet mental health care needs of the low-income or uninsured population are examined, against the backdrop of Patient Protection and Affordable Care health care reform. A current case study highlights both lack of access to suitable mental health care and the consequences of inadequate care in terms of human and societal suffering. Issues of social justice and the ability of family nurse practitioners to be proactive in their support for a just and equitable mental health care system are considered as themes throughout the manuscript.

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