Prescription pad still rules in mental health

YOU bear good tidings in the form of comments from psychiatrist Pat Bracken, director of West Cork mental health services (July 20) At last, a creative and authentic voice for ethical and mature mental health service delivery.

Placing the service-user central to the therapeutic response on offer is paramount to a modern, humane mental health service. Respect and decency are core, empowerment and diversity vital.

Mental healthcare is not merely about doctors and medicalised treatment. It is about human beings receiving their rightful range of therapeutic supports, coupled with comprehensive community integration. These therapeutic supports may be many and varied, tailored to suit each, very different, situation.