The Role of Environment in Mental Health

Abstract

Despite substantial progress in developing empirically validated psychotherapeutic treatments for specific mental health problems, most current efforts are based largely on treatment with drugs, which may not produce permanent recovery. The result has been an almost nihilistic attitude that assumes that little can be done to rehabilitate persons with mental health problems. Empirical evidence gleaned from innovative treatment programs and ethnocultural studies indicates clearly that healthy environments that provide meaningful work and a variety of nonmedical interventions offer more lasting health results than medical treatment alone. The supportive and curative influence of the environment has been greatly neglected, in part because of medical dominance in the treatment of emotional problems. More effective is the removal of the social, economic, and professional barriers to mental health and the strengthening of rehabilitative efforts that promote activity and purpose.