District of Columbia: Status of Reforms to the District?s Mental Health System

March 2004 District of Columbia: Status of Reforms to the District's Mental Health System The District created the Department of Mental Health (DMH) in 2001 to oversee the provision of mental health services. DMH methods of oversight have included establishing certification and making use of licensing standards for participating providers and beginning to monitor provider compliance. DMH also continues to deliver direct services, acting as the primary provider for 55 percent of all consumers enrolled in the mental health system as of October 2003, and operating over 500 beds at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, the District-run institution specializing . . .