sense, must compete with more established forms of
intervention (e.g., one-on-one psychotherapy); and
(c) preventive programs may appear impractical and
too costly (Cowen, 1983). In addition, the preven-
tion field itself has served as an “enemy from
within”(Cowen, 1983) by being less than precise
with its terminology, being slow to document the
effectiveness of preventive interventions, and
neglecting to coordinate efforts across programs
(e.g., Hawkins & Catalano, 1992).
Ideally, these issues can be adequately addressed
in the future so that the interventions characteristic
of community psychology will be more widely used.
Perhaps in the future, we should begin to focus as
much on psychological wellness and health as on
psychopathology and treatment of mental disorders
(Biglan & Hinds, 2009; Cowen, 1991; NRC-IOM,
2009). If so, we will grasp the importance of such
concepts as competence, resilience, prevention,
modification of social systems, and empowerment.CHAPTER SUMMARYCommunity psychology is an approach to mental
health that emphasizes the role of environmental
and societal forces in creating and alleviating prob-
lems. The focus is on prevention of problems rather
than on cure, and both individuals and the commu-
nity are encouraged to take control of and master
their own problems so that professional interven-
tion is not necessary. A number of influences led
to the development of the community psychology
field, including the creation of the Joint Commis-
sion on Mental Health and Illness in 1955; the 1963
Kennedy Bill, which funded the construction of
community mental health centers; deinstitutionali-
zation; a shortage of mental health professionals;
and a number of sociopolitical events in the
1960s.
Several concepts are central to community psy-
chology. Ecological systems can be analyzed at one
or more of several interrelated levels, ranging from
the individual to macrosystems (e.g., a society or
culture). The concept of community mental health
refers to the conviction that communities are
responsible for their members and that community
mental health should provide services to prevent
problems and help the community and its systems
function better. Community psychologists focus on
prevention because it is believed that, in the long
run, prevention initiatives will be more efficient
and effective than individual treatment adminis-
tered after the onset of problems. Community psy-
chologists also focus on strategies to increase levels
of empowerment—that is, to enhance individuals’
sense that they control their own destinies. A
knowledge of the different dimensions of human
diversity is important so that issues and problems
can be better understood and interventions can be
successful. Finally, community psychologists seek to
make positive changes by restructuring roles and
social institutions. Increasing positive alternatives
and resources for individuals makes it more likely
that individuals will succeed and that a good per-
son–environment fit will be realized.
Community psychologists frequently serve as
consultants to mental health professionals, teachers,
ministers, and other community personnel by lend-
ing their advice and expertise. Additional types of
services offered by or orchestrated by community
psychologists include intervention in childhood and
adolescence, self-help groups, and the enlistment of
paraprofessionals to provide services to community
members.
The future of community psychology is uncer-
tain. Many prevention programs have been shown
to be effective and cost-efficient, and consultation
appears to be effective as well. There have been
calls for training more community psychologists
and prevention field specialists. Finally, it is likely
that more and more interventions and programs
designed and implemented by community psychol-
ogists will be recommended and financially sup-
ported by managed care companies in the future.
However, funding for community mental health482 CHAPTER 16