The Community Mental Health System: A Navigational Guide for Providers
Elizabeth L. Teed,MaristCollegeJohn A. Scileppi,MaristCollegeMonika Boeckmann, Alzheimer’s AssociationEsther L. Crispi,MaristCollegeJames Regan,MaristCollegeDavid J. Whitehouse, United Behavioral Health We are a community of professionals and scholars, assembled to provide diverse and practical viewpoints on navigating the community mental health system.  The authors of the book include (in alphabetical order), Monika Boeckmann, M.A., M.S., M.P.A., currently the Executive Director of a regional agency serving the victims of Alzheimer’s Disease and their families and a former senior administrator of the Dutchess County United Way and a former Director of Staff Training for two Veteran’s Administration Health Centers; Ester (Lori) Crispi, Ph.D., a gerontologist, grant project administrator and faculty member; James Regan, Ph.D., former C.E.O. of Hudson River State (NY) Psychiatric Center and current Director of a graduate training program in a community mental health field; John Scileppi, Ph.D., a member of numerous boards of directors of agencies assisting individuals with developmental disabilities, author and a faculty member; Elizabeth Teed, Ph.D., former Director of the Office of Community Research, therapist, member of the Dutchess County Mental Health Association Board of Directors and faculty member; and David Whitehouse, M.D., Th.D., M.B.A., Chief Medical Officer for Strategy and Innovation United Behavioral Health, and former head of the Charles River (MA) Psychiatric Center, a private institution participating in Massachusetts’ privatization of services program.  While the professors are expert in theory, the practitioners and administrators have a wealth of practical experience from which to draw upon when describing the community mental health system.   We all agree on basic philosophy and orientation; however the reader may find occasions when two of us may support opposing viewpoints.  Let these instances themselves be good training for navigating the community mental health system.  We assure you, it will not be the last time you encounter contradictory recommendations given by various stakeholders in the system!