The rise in disabilities seen in the study points to the growing need for specialized health and social services (such as mental-health services and therapists), Boulet and her colleagues say.

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There is no co-ordinated approach - social services and mental health services don't talk to each other.

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As gun sales have soared, spending for social programs and mental health services has plummeted.

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In developed countries, rehab is the gateway to an expanding array of social-welfare and mental-health services that create disincentives for addicts to cut their consumption.

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The Health and Social Services Department said the development would allow the centralisation of mental health facilities in purpose-built facilities.

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Last week, Deputy Barry Brehaut - deputy health and social services minister, said he would support closing both schools to pay for better mental health funding.

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Epsom will also become a base for acute mental health services and a hub for community and social care services.

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The decline of mental health services at a time of rising social distress and exploding gun sales has created a toxic mix that is uniquely American.

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"The people we work with can often have suffered bullying for most of their lives, " said Jonathan Kean, from Creative Support, an organisation which provides social care services for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues and other needs.

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