Americans are becoming more cognizant of the importance of mental wellness as incidents of bullying, random shootings, and eating disorders pervade our society. This comprehensive resource provides an expansive overview of mental health and illness in the United States, analyzing the current state of the health care system, and objectively examining the therapies and treatment options traditionally recommended by the medical community. Mental Health Care Issues in America: An Encyclopedia covers major mental disorders, theories, and treatments; delves into major advances and ongoing controversies in the field; and shares the most current research on the subject in varied disciplines, including ethnic studies, criminal justice, education, and social work. Each entry features a clear definition of the issue along with a brief review of its history. Additionally, the author situates the material within the mental health field, as well as within society in general. Organized alphabetically, topics include advocacy, legal issues, media portrayals of psychological disorders, and homelessness and mental illness.