As large state mental institutions scale down their populations, a greater number of emotionally disturbed individuals return to the community. Many of the day treatment centers, group homes, and work activity programs designed to help these individuals are staffed, in large part, by paraprofessionals, placing them at the forefront of the deinstitutionalization movement.
Realizing the shortage of training material for the paraprofessional, Jonathan P. Beard, David L. Hayter, and Eric Shenkar have produced a handbook to help those working with this perplexing and often difficult population. Written in understandable language and based on actual experiences, the book is divided into two sections. The first provides an overview of the history and philosophy associated with the treatment of the emotionally disturbed and the second outlines specific guidelines and treatment strategies. The book also includes a glossary of words commonly used in mental health settings.