Presidents New Freedom Commission

"We envision a future when everyone with a mental illness will recover, a future when mental illnesses can be prevented or cured, a future when mental illnesses are detected early, and a future when everyone with a mental illness at any stage of life has access to effective treatment and supports - essentials for living, working, learning and participating fully in the community."

In 2003 the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health issued a Final Report: Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America. In the report, the Commission identified the following six goals as the foundation for transforming mental health care in America.

Goal 1 - Americans Understand that Mental Health Is Essential to Overall Health.

Goal 2 - Mental Health Care Is Consumer and Family Driven.

Goal 3 - Disparities in Mental Health Services Are Eliminated.

Goal 4 - Early Mental Health Screening, Assessment, and Referral to Services Are Common Practice.

Goal 5 - Excellent Mental Health Care Is Delivered and Research Is Accelerated.

Goal 6 - Technology Is Used to Access Mental Health Care and Information.