Professional Psychology's Role in the Treatment of the Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill and Their Families: Challenges for the 1990's

The history of professional psychology's involvement with the chronically mentally ill population and their families is reviewed. Contemporary developments which will impact on professional psychology during the 1990's and potentially increase our involvement with this disabled population are described. The article concludes with a discussion of a model useful to the professional psychologist for conceptualizing serious mental illness and a brief presentation of eight professional roles which flow from this model.