Missouri mental health officials hope a big influx of federal money will help transform mental health services in the state. Missouri is getting $14.2 million from the federal government over the next five years. State Comprehensive Psychiatric Services Director, Diane McFarland, agrees it’s a lot of money, but points out that much could be spent on technology alone. McFarland wants two outcomes after five years: to move every community to embrace mental health services as much as they do health care and to link health and mental health care. McFarland says the federal government is providing the money to transform the state mental health system. She says it should help the state to make better decisions and spend its money more wisely. McFarland say the State Mental Health Department is already undergoing a system-wide review to move toward transformation.
