Mental illness is a leading cause of distress and disability. Estimates suggest that over a quarter of GP consultations have a mental health component and half of the people seen by social workers have some sort of mental illness.

This authoritative book arose from a study commissioned by the Department of Health and includes contributions from experts who have vast and varied experience of the provision and evaluation of emergency mental health services. It includes both theoretical aspects of the subject and practical examples of mental health care programmes and tells us what patients think of these services. It also highlights that patients want local and accessible community mental health services which provide prompt, appropriate and acceptable help.

Having examined successful models of services in the UK and abroad the authors suggest that no one model can be applied universally. However, it is clear that local agencies must co-ordinate their efforts to ensure that mental health services work together to meet the varying needs of people who suffer from mental illness and the needs of their carers. We can all learn from others' experiences and this book is relevant to anyone responsible for the provision or development or comprehensive, effective and efficient emergency mental health services.