Comments by Leonard Stein

It is difficult to make a summary statement about a diverse group of papers. However, some of the papers tangentially reflect a current phenomenon that deserves attention: a growing tendency to view case management as the magical solution to the problems faced by persons with severe and persistent mental illness, with the consequent minimization of the importance of professional expertise.

The needs of persons with severe and persistent mental illness are many and complex. Adequate care for such persons requires the collaboration and close personal involvement of well-trained professionals from various disciplines, and well-trained paraprofessionals. The Madison model serves as one vehicle for providing such care. It is not a case management program, treatment program, on rehabilitation program; rather, it is a care program that makes use of well-trained professionals and paraprofessionals who together provide treatment, rehabilitation, and case management services.