Public and Private Behavioral Health Services

Private psychiatric hospitals have been in operation way before their public counterparts. Public services developed out of the need to provide services to those individuals who either did not have access to behavioral services or lacked financial resources.

“There is a difference in the mission and philosophy of care between a public and a private facility providing behavioral health services.”

Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? How? Justify your answers with appropriate research and reasoning.

Describe some of the similarities and differences between public and private facilities providing behavioral health services. Support your answer with relevant examples.

Review a Psychiatric Hospital

In today’s healthcare environment, behavioral health services are provided at both specialized psychiatric facilities as well as within a larger and more comprehensive hospital setting. Psychiatric hospitals are dedicated to the treatment of behavioral health disorders, whereas a general hospital provides an integrated model of mental and physical health.

Search the Internet using the key words “division of mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases.” View the list of regional hospitals provided under the heading Regional Hospitals Listing. Choose any one of the psychiatric hospitals listed and review its organizational structure.

Next, search the Internet to find a Web site on a local general services hospital and review its organizational structure.

According to your understanding, are the organizational structures of both types of hospitals similar or different? How? Do you think a similar organizational structure should be followed for all hospitals? Why? Justify your answers with appropriate research and reasoning.