Strengthen the public and community mental health system for the severe and persistently mentally ill.

As a result of deinstitutionalization and the growth of biological treatment options, there has been a significant shift in the way psychiatric care is provided in the U.S. Most states have experienced tremendous losses in available inpatient treatment options. However, there has not been an equal expansion in public/community outpatient services, particularly for the severe and persistently mentally ill. The lack of sufficient treatment and housing options is a tremendous issue as data suggests the 20 - 30% of the US homeless population suffers from significant mental illness. A bold and innovative response from the Administration is needed to aid States in implementing evidence-based community treatments and expansion of inpatient services for the severe and persistently mentally ill.