Many more seriously mentally ill in jails/prisons than psych hospitals

I have to say I had no idea for-profit prisons even existed, as everything in Canada is government-run. I agree that if the prison is for profit, of course they want inmates in there for as long as possible. They are running a business and that's how they make their money. Sadly, tragically, it comes at the expense of others.

It is absolutely reprehensible that once a person is "in the system" it is almost impossible to get out, for all the reasons you mentioned, sarahsweets. As a society we must do a better job of protecting our most vulnerable.

I'm sorry about your cousin, zapatoes.

I think you hit the nail on the head, piggy momma.

What can we do? And this applies to other psych issues such as time insurance companies allow for doctor sessions, quality of training and supervision of professionals, etc. It starts here, and thank you Bird Dancer, the research leader of Psych Central. Research world, nation, local as to what's happening.
1. Join advocacy groups such as NAMI and DBSA and participate, donate.
2. Write law making committees in national, regional, and local government as a group.
3. If your issue cannot be addressed, start your own advocacy group.
4. Have your group ask candidates for office to state their position on your issue.
5. Vote, vote, vote and vote some more.