Recent Case Exposes Cracks in Fractured Mental Health System

Minnesota Public Radio (Saint Paul, MN): Long before the Burnsville, MN killing, people began talking about how to respond to the litany of complaints aimed at the mental health care system. The complaints from patients and their advocates include long waits for treatment, not being believed when they describe symptoms, and confusing bureaucracies that control access to services. Many inside the system agree--and add their own criticisms that government and health insurance company reimbursement payments don't cover treatment costs. They also say that housing and jobs programs for people with mental illness are underfunded, and too many people still view mental illness as a character flaw rather than a disease. The criticisms have risen to a crescendo that has caught the attention of elected officials. When Minnesota lawmakers return to the Capitol in March, they'll be asked to make reforms.