This essay will discuss current literature on clinical case management in mental health in the Australian context. The terms relating to case management will be defined and explained. The essay will discuss and describe case management models and social models in mental health. In this essay my own clinical experience in case management will be highlighted. The issues of efficacy and effectiveness in clinical case management will also be addressed. The essay will identify and outline the groups that benefit from mental health case management. Finally, the essay will critically evaluate current evidence, benefits and limitation pertaining to case management in mental health. Rosen, Mueser & Teesson (2007) described case management as
Assertive community treatment (ACT) model is considered the most effective model for the severe and persistent mentally ill. ACT teams have a holistic approach to providing services, helping with medications, housing, finances and anything else that is critical to an individual’s success in living (Bond et al 2001), Wallace, O’Connell & Frisch (2005) commented that this model is concerned more with the team functioning than with discipline specific roles or interventions (Wallace, O’Connell & Frisch 2005). Wallace and colleagues highlighted that this model gives the mental health nurse the central role for medication management as well as monitoring and follow up of medical problems (Wallace, O’Connell & Frisch 2005). Assertive community treatment as compared to intensive case management model gives psychiatrists and nurses a critical role. Rosen, Mueser & Teesson (2007) noted that there is strong evidence for the efficacy of ACT. This model has been commented for yielding best outcomes as the assertive community treatment teams increased and maintained contact with care, decreased use of hospital-based mental health care, improved consumer outcomes including quality of life, reduced symptoms experienced and increased housing stability (McEvoy, Escott & Bee