A Comparative study about a social work model of community support for people with mental illness in Japan and the U.S.

本研究的目的是阐明日本和美国精神疾病患者社会工作模式的理论框架，并重点研究两国使用的制度和模式。研究结果表明，日本和美国在心理健康领域的社区支持的社会工作实践中发展出了不同的方法。日本更注重家庭和社区内的一致性和相互支持关系，而美国在精神疾病患者的社会工作实践中更注重个性和对独立性的尊重。

The purpose of the research was to illustrate theoretical framework of social work model for people with mental illness in Japan and the U.S. The research also focused on systems and models used in each country. The result of the study showed that Japan and the U.S. have developed different approach toward social work practice for community support in the field of mental health. While Japan focused more on conformity and mutual-support relationship within family and community, the U.S. focused more on individuality and respect for independence in social work practice for people with mental illness.