A Position Statement by the American Psychoanalytic Association Concerning Action for Mental Health

In commenting on Action for Mental Health, the Executive Council of the American Psychoanalytic Association applauds the historic new approach to the problem of mental disease represented in the efforts which brought about this final report of the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health. Federal legislation to provide for an objective, nationwide analysis of existing resources and needs for the care of the mentally ill by a non-governmental, multi-disciplinary group of experts establishes a precedent which could have far-reaching significance for other complex social problems. Action for Mental Health, the result of this attempt to arrive at a well-coordinated, comprehensive, and realistic national mental health program, has proved to be an inspiring document which deserves support for the stimulation and guidance it gives toward careful planning for mental health action.

The Report of the Joint Commission is concerned primarily with the large central core of the mentally ill, the psychotic patients who may or do require hospitalization. It presents a many-faceted program of action which calls for large-scale expansion of treatment services, rehabilitation measures, research, and training of professional, technical and ancillary personnel, and educational efforts to overcome the widespread ignorance and fear which lead to misunderstanding and neglect of the mentally ill. An important, but as yet unwritten chapter on the prevention of mental illness will have to be added in the future. Enthusiastic acceptance of the Report by professional and lay groups has already contributed greatly to the mobilization of public demand for adequate governmental action at all levels to meet the neglected mental health problems of the nation.

The American Psychoanalytic Association endorses the investigative, educational, and therapeutic aims advocated by the Commission. The emphasis