#10: Imagining Robert by Jay Neugeboren

This was a school assignment for my Mental Health Policy class and I am so glad I read it. Jay Neugeboren eloquently writes about the five decades he watched his brother, Robert, struggle with mental illness. Robert was hospitalized continuously and his family had to fight against insurance, public stigma, and the realization that Robert would always need supportive care. This book is beneficial for people going into the mental health profession because it helps clinicians identify with clients and families. Mental health care has come a long way since the 1960’s but improvements always need to be made. I believe that a simple understanding of this and a genuine passion for the well being of the mentally ill, is what will help social workers and people like Robert succeed.