Mental Illness and Public Health

The goal of this course is to introduce students to mental illness in the United States from the perspective of the public health profession. Students will explore current research and debates surrounding the definition, prevention and treatment of mental disorders in the United States. In addition to learning about the presentation and treatment of mental illness, they will also be introduced to concepts in public health, psychology, psychiatry and health services research. We will also critically discuss the history of our beliefs about the mentally ill and how these beliefs have influenced policy, systems, services and treatment over the last century.