NC's Mental Health Care System

Further Resources:

RESOURCE: SL 2007-268: NC Mental Health Care Parity Law

RESEARCH: National Shortage of Public Hospital Beds for Mentally Ill Persons (study by the Treatment Advocacy Center)

WHQR: NC's Psychiatric Bed Shortage "Severe" (3/19/2008)

EXTRA: WHQR's longer interview with Art Constantini of the Southeastern Center

EXTRA: Two mental health care clients about what they want the public to know

EXTRA: WHQR's longer interview with Dr. Jack St. Clair

EXTRA: WHQR's full interview with Leza Wainwright here

WHQR: Rep. McIntyre Supports Federal Mental Health Parity Bill (3/6/2008)

WUNC: Gov. Easley Calls for Changes to the Mental Health Care System (3/5/2008)

COMMENT: Respond to our series, email the newsroom at news@whqr.org

Tangled Pathways:

Navigating the Labyrinth of Mental Health Care in North Carolina

Seven years ago, reform was supposed to make the state's mental health care system more efficient and responsive for the people who use it. But both budget number and the stories of those in the stystem describe very different results. WHQR's month of coverage looks at what's gone wrong, how the system is trying to change, and what life is like for those struggling to manage a mental illness in North Carolina.

Part One - Overview

When news broke in late February about skyrocketing cost inNorth Carolina's mental health care system after reform, one of Governor Easley's first actions was to split authority for the Department of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services between two top officers. Dr. Mike Lancaster on the clinical policy side, and former Deputy Director Leza Wainwright to oversee the daily operations issues. WHQR's interviewed Wainwright shortly before her promotion about the structure and future of the mental health care system.

Part Two - The First Week

In the first hours and days of a mental health crisis, individuals may run into contact with numerous government entities, from the police and EMTs to ER nurses and state psychiatric hospitals. WHQR looks at life during crisis and how well the system serves those with the most extreme needs. Find the complete story here.

Part 3 - In the Community

How you’re treated for a mental illness depends on a variety of factors, including how sick you are and how you plan to pay for care. From the psychiatrist’s couch to community support groups, WHQR explores how well North Carolina's system treats mental illness. Find the complete story here.

Part Four - Long Term

In the final story in WHQR's mental health series, we look at the costs of covering mental health care. Advocates say many people who suffer from severe mental illness not only end up losing their jobs, but risk losing everything as they wait for disability insurance. And even those with private insurance say there's not enough coverage to pay for comprehensive care. Find the complete story here.

WHQR Public Radio | 254 N. Front Street - Wilmington, NC 28401 | Phone: (910) 343-1640 | whqr@whqr.org

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