Mental health group hosts program

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, a statewide mental health organization, recently kicked off a series of presentations-panel discussions on various viewpoints within the mental health provider community with "Think Outside of the Box."

According to a press release from the organization, Dr. Loren Mosher, a psychiatrist who resigned from the American Psychiatric Association to protest his profession’s increasing domination by the medical model, led the conference, which focused on alternative treatments for mental illness.

Mosher’s 35 years of experience and participation in research projects motivated his statement that "evidence shows that by avoiding labeling and medicalization through diverting persons in crisis away from hospitals into normalized settings and providing prompt interpersonal treatment, drug use can be avoided in up to 75 percent of cases," according to a press release from the organization.

Nearly 70 mental health providers and consumers took part in the June 2 event, which featured a panel discussion represented by members of consumer organizations, family organizations, provider organizations and advocacy organizations.

Also participating were a psychiatrist, a psychiatric rehabilitation specialist and a consumer who shared her personal struggles with medication and alternative treatments.

Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey Executive Director Jacob P. Bucher said this type of assembly, to be continued in the fall, "provides individuals with more supportive opportunities within the community mental health system. The dialogue expanded our horizons and helped us all to view mental health issues from another perspective."