Integrating treatment with rehabilitation for persons with major mental illnesses

Abstract

Psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation are integrated, seamless approaches aimed at restoring persons with major mental disorders to their best possible level of functioning and quality of life. Driven by a thorough assessment, treatment and rehabilitation are keyed to the stage and type of each individual's disorder. Examples of coordinated treatment and rehabilitation are pharmacotherapy, supported employment, social skills training, family psychoeducation, assertive community treatment, and integrated programs for persons with dual diagnoses. The authors conclude by proposing seven principles to guide mental health practitioners in their integration of pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions.