Enhanced RN Role in Behavioral Health Care: An Untapped Resource.

Abstract

Globally, an estimated 25% of individuals suffer from mental disorders. Approximately 50% of Americans will experience mental disorders in their lifetime. The cost of this U.S. mental health crisis is estimated at $444 billion per year when lost economic productivity is included, with only about one-third of the total dollars going to care itself. The generalist RN workforce is an untapped resource and invaluable health provider choice, uniquely suited to make an economic difference to the U.S. healthcare system by improving access, lowering costs, and improving quality of behavioral health care.