‘A Promise to the Mentally Ill’

In his article (Editorial Pages, April 7), “Redeeming a Promise to the Mentally Ill,” E. Fuller Torrey states there is “no mystery about what needs to be done to provide quality yet economical services for the seriously mentally ill.” While I agree with his statement, I offer different solutions.

Torrey says we do not need any more “consultants, commissions or task forces.” This may be precisely what we do need--or whatever it takes to at last create a plan for a complete system of care.

Torrey asks if deinstitutionalization has failed, and certainly the lack of planning, especially in the area of resources, was a strong factor in creating the problems we now face--severe problems that are recently gaining attention. With funds now becoming available, there is a demand to put programs in place immediately and, consequently, sporadically, without thoughtful consideration to planning a meaningful system. We are continuing only to react, as we have done for more than two decades, thus perpetuating the problem.

Torrey comments on California’s recent rating near the bottom of a list ranking states’ mental health programs. He cites Rhode Island, Wisconsin and Colorado as ranking the highest. This is a simplistic comparison, considering complexity, diversity and total population, particularly in Los Angeles County.

And contrary to Torrey’s claim, California’s first priority is not to pay therapists to treat the “worried well.” The severely mentally ill are the highest priority in Los Angeles County; this commitment began under the county Mental Health Department’s last administration, and the emphasis on community care for this population is even more pronounced under the current administration.

When Torrey does commend what he terms “better public programs” in California, his examples, with one exception, are in Central and Northern California. Southern Californians do not have to look that far. There are a number of exemplary programs right here that are excellent examples of effective community support.

Torrey says we “simply need the will” to do what needs to be done to care for the severely mentally ill. This is a simplistic solution; I think we do have the will, but we definitely need more. We need to have a plan, or we will be doing little more than perpetuating our “make-do” situation.

MARVIN WEINSTEIN

President and

Chief Executive Officer

Portals House

Los Angeles