In February 2001, President George W. Bush announced his New Freedom Initiative to promote increased access to educational and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In his charge to the Commission, the President directed its members to study the problems and gaps in the mental health system and make concrete recommendations for immediate improvements that the Federal government, State governments, local agencies, as well as public and private health care providers, can implement. The Commission's findings confirm that there are unmet needs and that many barriers impede care for people with mental illnesses. After its yearlong study, the Commission concludes that traditional reform measures are not enough to meet the expectations of consumers and families. The Commission identified the following six goals as the foundation for transforming mental health care in America: Americans should understand that mental health is essential to overall health; mental health care should be consumer and family driven; disparities in mental health services should be eliminated early; mental health screening, assessment, and referral to services should be common practice; excellent mental health care should be delivered and research should be accelerated; and technology should be used to access mental health care and information. This report discusses each goal in depth, showcasing model programs to illustrate the goal in practice and providing specific recommendations needed to transform the mental health system in America. (Contains 183 references.) (GCP)