During the past decade or more, there has been a rapid evolution of mental health services and treatment technologies, shifting psychiatric epidemiology, changes in public behavioral health policy and increased understanding in medicine regarding approaches to clinical work that focus on patient-centeredness. These contemporary issues need to be articulated in a comprehensive format. The American Association of Community Psychiatrists (AACP), a professional organization internationally recognized as holding the greatest concentration of expertise in the field, has launched a methodical process to create a competency certification in community psychiatry. As a reference for a certification examination, that effort will benefit enormously from a comprehensive handbook on the subject.

The second edition of the AACP's (American Association for Community Psychiatry) Textbook of Community Psychiatry is a welcome update of this notable work that comprehensively presents the state of the art in this field. Along with continuously evolving scientific advances and principles of clinical care, community psychiatry must respond to shifts in public policy as well as economic climate. The past decade has witnessed significant political and social changes, including climate change, immigration levels, technological advancement, the influence of social media and the rise of political unrest. This new edition reflects these wider changes, incorporating new chapters and enhancing previous ones. It remains the standard text for certification of those working in healthcare and social welfare systems design and delivery of services. Readers will gain knowledge of: Basic pillars of the field Evidence based interventions Telepsychiatry and technological aids Trauma informed services Integrated health systems Social determinants of health Structural discrimination