New Freedom Commission on Mental Health

New Freedom Commission on Mental Health was an organization established by President George W. Bush in 2002. The commission was tasked with conducting a comprehensive study of the United States mental health service delivery system and advising the president on improvements that could be made to the system.

History[edit | edit source]

The New Freedom Commission on Mental Health was established by Executive Order 13263, signed by President Bush on April 29, 2002. The commission was charged with studying mental health service delivery in the United States, including public and private sector providers, and making recommendations for improvements.

Mission[edit | edit source]

The mission of the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health was to identify policies that could be implemented to maximize the utility of existing resources, improve coordination of treatments and services, and promote successful community integration for adults with a serious mental illness and children with a serious emotional disturbance.

Findings[edit | edit source]

The commission found that the mental health service delivery system was fragmented and in disarray, leading to a lack of access to mental health services for many individuals. It also found that stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses were significant barriers to individuals seeking treatment.

Recommendations[edit | edit source]

The commission made a number of recommendations for improving the mental health service delivery system, including promoting the use of evidence-based practices, advancing the understanding of mental health through research, and improving access to quality care.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The work of the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health has had a significant impact on mental health policy in the United States. Its recommendations have informed the development of new policies and practices aimed at improving the mental health service delivery system.