Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Almost every choice that a person makes about his or her treatment or type of care provided in the system of mental health services in the United States is strongly influenced by federal, state, and county laws, policies, administrative rules, procedures, and regulations. This influence may affect who can be licensed to provide what type of treatment; where that treatment can take place; who is eligible to obtain a service; who will pay; what is covered by private insurance; how different states regulate the insurance companies; what is the individual state's design of Medicaid coverage; even how persons eligible for Medicare can access and receive services. This entry reviews the history and impact of mental health policies on the system of mental health care in America.</jats:p>