WICHE Mental Health Report
January 07, 2008
Volume 2, Number 1
RECENT ISSUES: February 2007 . March 2007 . April 2007 . May 2007 . June 2007 . July 2007 . August 2007 . September 2007 . October 2007 . November 2007 . December 2007
In this Issue
InFocus: Prevalence of Behavioral Health Disorders
Components of a Strong and Effective Workforce, Revisited
Establishing and sustaining an effective mental health workforce involves several components:
- A profile of present population and demographics: November 2007 Issue;
- An estimation of the prevalence of behavioral disorders; (This issue);
- An analysis of the professional occupations available to serve the community: (Future Issue);
- A picture of the higher education programs designed to supply well-trained professionals; (Future Issue).
This issue focuses on prevalence of behavioral disorders. Prevalence rates are based on epidemiological studies of populations. Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General provides a thorough discussion of the definitions of behavioral disorders and the epidemiology methods used to determine prevalence rates.
Common Terms and Abbreviations Used in Prevalence Reports
Mental health and its converse, mental illness are not easy to define. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) has operationalized the definitions of mental illness to some extent, however, the concept of mental health is fluid and can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the situation, the culture in which it is assessed, and the values of the assessor among other things. The following definitions are commonly but not exclusively used in behavioral health.
1. Adults with Mental Illness
a. Serious Mental Illness (SMI) applies to mental disorders that interfere with some area of social functioning. These illnesses include mild depression, and mild anxiety.
b. Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) or Serious Psychological Distress (SPD) are those individuals even more seriously affected than those with SMI. This category includes schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe forms of depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.2. Children and Adolescents with Serious Emotional Distress (SED) are those individuals under the age of 18 with a diagnosable mental health problem that severely disrupts their ability to function socially, academically, and emotionally.
3. Adults and Adolescents with Substance Use or Abuse Disorders
a. Substance Abuse (SA) is problematic substance use without compulsive use, significant tolerance, or withdrawal.
b. Substance Dependence (SD) is a syndrome involving compulsive substance use, with or without tolerance and withdrawal. Substance Abuse and Dependence can be difficult to differentiate, however, dependence is generally considered closest to the mainstream idea of ‘addiction’.4. Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) are those individuals that have two or more of the above diagnoses.
Prevalence Reporting
The prevalence information for each state we report on is based upon the established prevalence percentages provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). According to SAMHSA, the current population prevalence rates are as follows:
- SMI - 5.4%
- SPMI/SPD - 2.6%
- SED - 10%
- SA/SD - 8.3%
- COD - SMI is highly correlated with substance dependence or abuse. Among adults with SMI in 2001, 20.3 percent were dependent on or abused alcohol or illicit drugs, while the rate among adults without SMI was only 6.3 percent.
It is important to note that the above prevalence numbers are estimates based on a sampling of the national population. There are many subgroups within the above groups and the percentage rates vary with each. For example, older adults (65+) have a higher prevalence rate, as do individuals with lower education levels. In general, rural areas have a lower sampling rate than urban areas and are likely underrepresented in epidemiology studies. When working with rural states, it is sometimes necessary to utilize state-collected data or county level data if possible to obtain the closest estimate of prevalence for rural areas.
The figure below from SAMHSA, Office Of Applied Studies, Mental Health Chapter shows the Serious Psychological Distress (SPD) prevalence percentages across 1 year (as opposed to a single snapshot in time) for adults aged 18 and older.
In addition to the information collected by individual states, the following links provide resources on finding state prevalence data:
2005 State Level Prevalence Data on Behavioral Disorders
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/statesList.cfm
2005 State Level Prevalence Data on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drug Use
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/states.htm
2005 Center for Mental Health Services Uniform Reporting System Tables, show the service rates for each state.
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/MentalHealthStatistics/URS2002.asp
When the state prevalence rates are compared to the state utilization rates (the number of people who utilized state services), an estimate of the number of people not being served is generated. This number is generally called the penetration rate or unmet need within the state population. Giving the state an estimate of the numbers of people who are not receiving services can provide an incentive to explore the reasons why they are not receiving services. There are an unlimited number of reasons; however, most reasons fall into the categories discussed in previous issues, availability, accessibility, and acceptability. In the next issue, we will present further information on the availability of behavioral health services by examining the various occupations that provide these services.
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The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) will sponsor up to 30 Travel Awards for substance abuse treatment practitioners to attend the 2008 College on the Problems of Drug Dependence meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico from June 14-19, 2008. The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), formerly the Committee on Problems of Drug Dependence, has been in existence since 1929 and is the longest standing group in the United States addressing research issues and problems on drug dependence and abuse.
CSAT sponsors a satellite session every year to bring together leading researchers and practitioners in the field to dialogue about significant issues, innovations and intersections in the field. The focus of this year's CSAT Satellite Session will be on racial and ethnic health disparities in HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. To be eligible, candidates must hold full-time employment as a director or clinical supervisor in a substance abuse treatment program and not be an employee of the federal government. Only one award will be given to any specific program. Previous CSAT travel award recipients are not eligible to apply.
To apply, send five collated copies of the following:
1. An up-to-date resume or vitae including contact information, previous travel fellowships, if applicable, work experience and academic experience.
2. A one page letter of application on institutional letterhead indicating interest in receiving an award and including a statement as to how this conference will benefit your work in your current position.
3. A letter of support on institutional letterhead from your direct supervisor stating should you be selected that you will be allowed to attend.
Complete, collated applications must be received on or before January 25, 2008. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are required to arrive prior to 4:30 PM on June 14, attend a networking session sponsored by CSAT in the evening on June 14, the CSAT-sponsored satellite session June 15, a breakfast sponsored by CPDD for the awardees on June 16, and remain for the entire CPDD meeting. Materials should be mailed to:
Dr. Alison Oliveto, Chair, CPDD Travel Awards Committee, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 843, Little Rock, AR 72205. For inquiries call: 501.686.7929.
Planning is underway for the longest-running and largest annual university sponsored conference on technology and persons with disabilities.
The 23rd Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference will take place from March 10-15, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA. This conference is for people with disabilities, special education teachers, occupational and physical therapists, rehabilitation service providers, assistive technology practitioners and suppliers and others interested in learning how technology can advance the independence of people with disabilities.
2008 Conference Keynote Speaker: Jim Fruchterman
We are proud to announce that Jim Fruchterman, one of the leading innovators in the field of assistive technology, will convene the 2008 Conference.
A 2006 McArthur Fellows award recipient, Mr. Fruchterman is the founder of two non-profit companies, Arkenstone and Benetech, that benefit people with visual impairments and learning disabilities.
Honored at the 2007 Conference with the Strache Leadership Award, Mr. Fruchterman is a true visionary and entrepreneur, known for adapting existing and cutting-edge technologies into life-changing products.
2008 Conference Special Event
Featured Speaker: Ray Kurzweil.
Topic: The End of Handicaps
Thursday, Martch 13, 2008 12:00 - 1:45 PMMr. Kurzweil will discuss how emerging technologies will be the great leveler in eliminating the handicaps associated with sensory and physical disabilities. Share the future with one of the field’s most respected visionaries.
For complete conference information, including Conference Schedule, Pre-Conference Workshops, General Sessions Schedule, Exhibitor Directory, Registration Procedures and more, please visit http://letsgoexpo.com/expo/index.cfm?EID=80000093.
Live from the National Council—the Latest in Mental Health and Addictions Policy and Practice
Join The National Council on Tuesday, January 8 at 2 pm, Eastern Time:
How State Policies Influence Substance Use Treatment: Focus on Naltrexone Adoption
Presenter
Carolyn J. Heinrich
Professor of Public Affairs, Affiliated Professor of Economics, and Regina Loughlin Scholar; Associate Director, Research and Training, Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Registration
Register now at http://registration.intercall.com/view/261-37208
Please email DarrinC@thenationalcouncil.org or call 301.984.6200, ext. 225 with questions or to provide payment information.
What Will Be Covered
A recent study by Carolyn Heinrich from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Carolyn Hill from Georgetown University examined the state policies that affect treatment facilities' adoption of naltrexone, a pharmacotherapy for alcoholism treatment. This webinar will feature an overview of their research and findings and discuss the state-level practices and policies that impact treatment decisions and the use of clinically proven, cost-effective treatments for alcoholism.
National Council Live" brings you convenient, top-notch learning opportunities from the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. Our biweekly webinars and conference calls offer mental health, addictions, and other healthcare providers and authorities the opportunity to gain practical insights on key industry trends and hot topics and to interact virtually—with one another and with experts in the field—to discuss common questions and challenges. Participation only requires a phone line and Internet access. Multiple staff can participate from a single location. National Council Live is free to members and open to nonmembers for a fee of $100.
For dates and information about future National Council Live calls, please go to www.thenationalcouncil.org/cs/upcoming_programs.
Jobs in the West
Recent Job Announcements Webpage
On this page you will find recent job announcements pertaining to either the WICHE West or to rural mental health areas.
Yale University seeks to hire a full time Project Coordinator to staff a mental health workforce development initiative funded through Connecticut’s Transformation Grant. Individuals with personal knowledge of the “lived” experience of mental illness are strongly encouraged to apply. Please forward this email notice to qualified individuals and to groups and organizations that might circulate the notice.
To obtain more information or to apply, please utilize the following link to the Yale employment website, http://www.yale.edu/hronline/stars/applicants/. Once the site has been accessed, please use the STARS Req. ID# 2660BR to locate this specific position through the website search engine.
www.TheNationalCouncil.org/JOBank
The only national job board dedicated to mental health and addictions
Post your executive, administrative, clinical, and direct care job openings on the National Council JOBank to attract quality candidates across the country.
Many of the nation’s largest and most successful behavioral health organizations have made the National Council JOBank their first source for recruitment. Now you can too, with multiple options designed to fit your needs:
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Subscribe for a year and post unlimited job openings
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Purchase 5-10 credits at once and save on multiple postings
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Post individual job openings good for 30 days
National Council member organizations qualify for our steeply discounted rates on all options. Our convenient online process makes it easy to post and manage your jobs. You may pay via credit card or choose to be invoiced. Go to www.TheNationalCouncil.org/JOBank today to set up your account and start posting jobs.
Benefit from our personalized customer service — to discuss the options that would work best for you, call us at 301.984.6200, ext. 240 or email ads@thenationalcouncil.org.
The National Council JOBank is sponsored by The Myers Group
WICHE MH Personnel
Dennis Mohatt, MA,Vice President for Behavioral Health
Mimi McFaul, Psy.D., Associate Director
Chuck McGee, MA, Project Director
Candice Tate, Ph.D., Research and Technical Assistance Associate
Fran Dong, Statistical Analyst
Nicole Speer, Ph.D., Research and Technical Assistance Associate
Jessica Tomasko, LCSW - PIP, Research and Technical Assistance Associate
Christa Smith, Psy.D. Postdoctoral Fellow
Jenny Shaw, Administrative & Project Coordinator
Megan Raymond, Events Coordinator
Debra Kupfer, M.H.A., Consultant
Kyle Sargent, M.P.P. Consultant
Tell Us How the WICHE Mental Health Program Has Impacted You
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education is seeking your comments on how our services have affected mental health services in rural communities. Please send an e-mail telling how WICHE has influenced you to Candice Tate . We would also love to hear your nominations for promising rural practices. Feel free to also contact us with requests for state-specific rural assistance or to just ask us a question about our experience with rural mental issues and public policy.
Subscriber Services
To subscribe or unsubscribe to the WICHE Newsletter send an e-mail to Editor Candice Tate
