Field Of Practice Report Using Kamerman's Model Of Mental Health Care

Mental health has been often misunderstood and neglected in the field of health sector (WHO, 2005). On realizing the importance of mental well being of people, several policies and frameworks have been formulated to promote mental health and well being (Henderson, Andrews and Hall, 1999). The most common definition of mental health as defined by WHO (1991) states, “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” (as cited in WHO, 2005). In simple words, mental health is much more than its general interpretation in terms of mental illness or behavioral problems (WHO,

The rise in demand and utilization of mental health services increased significantly between 2006 (2.2%) to 2012 (7.5%) mostly within the consumer age group of 18-24 years (National Mental Health Report, 2013). As a response to this increasing demand, the government, non-government, private and community increased their facilities (See Figure 1) to ensure the health care services for those with mental condition. With the introduction of “Better Access Initiative” (Medicare Benefits) there was a significant rise in service use from 3.1% in 2007 to 6.9% in 2011 (National Mental Health Report, 2013). Besides, the rate of treatment varied with the severity and type of disorder (National Mental Health Report, 2013). Around 64 percent of the population with severe disorder received health care, followed by 39 percent and 17 percent of moderately severe and milder respectively (National Mental Health Report, 2013). Despite of having reported largest form of mental disorder, those with anxiety disorder received less mental health care services (38%) than those with depression (59%) (ABS,