This course examines mental health issues in the context of social, environmental, governmental and legal conditions. Specific attention will be given to: identifying historical and current developments in mental health policy in the United States; explaining the significance of stigma in society regarding mental illness and how it affects individuals with mental illness; explaining the manner in which the legal system copes with the mentally ill; analyzing the etiology of some major mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, and childhood disorders) and how these disorders affect an individual's ability to function in society; identifying risk factors and protective factors related to mental disorders/illness; identifying public health efforts for prevention and intervention of mental disorders in the U.S.; and, access to public health programs, support services, medication costs, and insurance coverage for those with mental illnesses/conditions.

This course examines mental health issues in the context of social, environmental, governmental and legal conditions. Specific attention will be given to: identifying historical and current developments in mental health policy in the United States; explaining the significance of stigma in society regarding mental illness and how it affects individuals with mental illness; explaining the manner in which the legal system copes with the mentally ill; analyzing the etiology of some major mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, and childhood disorders) and how these disorders affect an individual's ability to function in society; identifying risk factors and protective factors related to mental disorders/illness; identifying public health efforts for prevention and intervention of mental disorders in the U.S.; and, access to public health programs, support services, medication costs, and insurance coverage for those with mental illnesses/conditions.