Stigma magnifies all barriers to access. In the light of newer, best knowledge community-based services are now challenged to serve people who, in increasing numbers, have needs that are far more complex than those served in the past. These roadblocks to mental health and substance abuse services stand in stark contrast to the high success rates of treatment. In recent years, a wide range of effective treatments for mental illness and substance use disorders has been developed. Even for serious mental illness, including major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, treatment related improvement occurs in 60 to 80 percent of clients served.
Treatment works if it is available.
Solutions to these complex issues cannot be found through a single management initiative or budget recommendation. It will take years of leadership and hard work, as well as increased resources to incorporate the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission into a health care system that works for all the people of Connecticut.