MHA-140 Intro to Mental Health: Module 5

Mental Health treatment settings

Mental health services are provided in many different settings. In this module, you’ll learn about inpatient care, outpatient services, community-based programs, and more. You’ll explore how each setting serves different populations and needs.

Discussion: Prisons as the New Asylum?

This documentary, The New Asylums, originally aired in 2005. While some aspects of mental health care and policy have evolved since then — such as greater use of telehealth, trauma-informed care, and diversion programs — many of the systemic issues shown in this video still exist today.

We are using this video as a way to understand how mental health and correctional systems have become intertwined and to spark critical thinking about what has changed and what still needs improvement in this setting.

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Step 1: Watch This Video

The New Asylums (FRONTLINE Documentary)

🔗 https://youtu.be/AQOug0yD1bg?si=k4m0D9Xd28N4AZez

Then, respond to the following

This documentary explores the disturbing reality that many individuals with serious mental illness are receiving care — not in hospitals or clinics — but in prisons and jails. After watching the video, respond to the following:

1. What are the key reasons people with mental illness end up in the criminal justice system instead of in treatment?
2. What challenges do correctional facilities face in trying to provide adequate mental health care?
3. Do you think the U.S. should shift more funding to community mental health treatment? Why or why not?
4. In your opinion, what is the most ethical and effective way to treat people with mental illness who are also involved in the legal system?

• Local Mental Health Settings Comparison Chart or Infographic

Overview

Mental health services are delivered in many different settings, and each one plays a unique role in supporting individuals and families. In this assignment, you’ll explore real-life mental health services in your local community. The goal is to help you understand where services are available, what they offer, and how they differ in purpose and population.

Step 1: Identify 3 different mental health treatment settings in your community or surrounding area. Examples include:

• Inpatient psychiatric hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Community mental health centers
• Substance use treatment facilities
• School-based counseling programs
• Telehealth providers
• Mobile crisis teams
• Residential treatment programs

Step 2: Research each setting. You may visit their website, call for general information, or use online directories (such as NAMI North Carolina, 211, or your local health department site).

Step 3: Create a comparison chart or infographic that includes the following for each setting

• Name of the agency/program
• Who they serve (age groups, diagnoses, populations, etc.)
• What services are offered (therapy, crisis response, medication, housing support, etc.)
• Who works there (types of professionals on staff)
• One pro of that setting
• One con or limitation of that setting

You may design this in a chart format (Word or Google Doc), or get creative and make an infographic (Canva, PowerPoint, etc.). Be sure it is easy to read and organized.

Example Format

Agency Name	Who They Serve	Services Offered	Who Works There	Pro	Con
Example Health	Adults with severe mental illness	Therapy, meds, case management	LCSWs, Psychiatrists	Offers sliding scale	Waitlist is long