Shangri-La and the integration of mental health care in Australia

Public Health Res Pract. 2017 Jul 26;27(3):2731723. doi: 10.17061/phrp2731723.

Abstract

We wanted the best, but it turned out like always. Victor Chernomydrin) 1 According to literary legend, Shangri-La is an idyllic and harmonious place. Mental health is aspiring to its own Shangri-La in the shape of better integrated care. But do current reforms make integrated practice more or less likely? And what can be done to increase the chances of success? The aim of this article is to review the current state of mental health reforms in Australia now under way across Primary Health Networks, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, psychosocial support services and elsewhere. What are these changes and what are the implications for the future of integrated mental health care? Is Shangri-La just over the horizon, or have we embarked instead on a fool's errand?

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / trends*
  • Health Care Reform
  • Holistic Health / trends*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health / trends*
  • Mental Health Services / trends*
  • Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical