Innovations in Program and Funding of Mental Health Services for Blue-Collar Families
JUDSON L. STONE M.S.W.1, and
VIRGINIA CROWTHERS M.S.W.
1 Assistant Director, Downriver Guidance Clinic, 26300 Outer Dr., Lincoln Park, Mich. 48146, and also Developer and Director of the Adult Service
A public mental health clinic formerly serving only children and seeking to broaden its service and financial base joined with a consumer advocate, the United Auto Workers, to provide treatment to underserved blue-collar workers. Comprehensive outpatient mental health service to adults on a prepaid basis was made possible through an innovative financial arrangement with Blue Cross. The authors discuss various problems in implementing this program, which they offer as a possible model for financing community mental health services.
