This Is Psychology

In this episode of 'This Is Psychology," Dr. Anderson discusses the advances in psychology that has produced evidence that with proper care, many people with serious mental illness can not only get better but become well enough to return to full functioning in society.

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Dr. Norman Anderson: Hi, I'm Dr. Norman Anderson, CEO of the American Psychological Association. Welcome to "This is Psychology."

Until fairly recently, it was widely believed that people with serious mental illness -- such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression -- could never recover. Such people were often placed in institutions and left to languish for years. Fortunately, this is changing.

Today, psychology has evidence that with proper care, people with serious mental illness can not only get better but many become well enough to return to full functioning in society. Psychologists and others committed to a recovery-oriented approach now use psychosocial rehabilitation interventions to help people with serious mental conditions. Once people with serious mental conditions get past the acute stage, often through a combination of medication and psychosocial intervention, psychologists and other health-care professionals can focus on their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Key elements of any such recovery process include self-direction by the client; a holistic approach to care, including housing, employment and mental and physical health treatment, along with respect and hope.

APA is committed to this approach. In 2009, our governing Council of Representatives passed a resolution endorsing the concept of recovery for people with serious mental illness. In addition, APA implemented a five-year initiative to promote mental health recovery principles so psychologists can help clients return to their jobs, homes, schools and families. APA is also partnering with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to create an online repository of resources on recovery principles and practices for mental health professionals.

In addition, we are developing a curriculum for doctoral psychology training programs that emphasizes recovery from serious mental illness and explains its principles and practices. This is just one example of how psychology is evolving, through research and evidence-based practice, to help people to reach their full potential.

Thanks for watching "This is Psychology."