A compilation of essays by numerous scholars, this anthology is policy- and/or program-oriented – as opposed to discipline-oriented. As it questions the behavioral and social science assumptions that underlie individual mental health laws, the book focuses on whether the law is achieving its intended goals and/or creating unintentional negative consequences. Sales and Shah provide a better understanding of the ways in which the mental health and legal professions should provide their services and interact, and consider the extent to which therapeutic goals have been integrated into the law. Ways that lawmakers can implement pro-therapeutic legal alternatives while minimizing anti-therapeutic consequences are also explored. Mental Health and Law develops an empirical understanding of the appropriateness and impact of psychological theory and legal doctrine for guiding the development and application of mental health and law interactions.

Focusing on research advancements in the field of law and psychology, each chapter assesses the current state of research and identifies major gaps, problems, and areas requiring new or additional research attention.