The medical model was developed and is used by the medical profession. Health disorders are
considered diseases and illnesses that can debilitate the person that has it. The treatment for this
disease or illness it is usually by medication.
When necessary, physical therapy or case studies may be performed. The medical model requires a
physician to treat the patient’s illness or disease.
The public health model treats groups that are categorized Specific characteristics, geography, and
Types of problems. c The public health model considers mental illness to be a problem caused by stress
related to the persons environment or triggers from society. This model treats the underlying
conditions Teaching ways to prevent the problem with distractions or hobbies the person may like It
does not only treat the patient themselves.
The human service model focuses on a balance between the individual and the environment the person
is in. This model focuses more so on underlying conditions they may cause a problem individual such
as Not being taught the proper way to conduct themselves or by having a biochemical imbalance in
their body or having a mental disability. This model uses this treatment that focuses on the individual
and the environment around them.
The three service delivery models are the medical model, the public health model, and the human
service model.
The medical model is a system of treatment that suggests that mental disorders are diseases or
illnesses that impair an individual's ability to function. The public health model extends healthcare
beyond the medical model and applies a multi-casual approach to studying the causes or origins of
problems, and emphasizes a preventative approach. The human service model is a treatment approach
that utilizes problem solving to work with clients and their problems within the context of the
environment.
The medical model sees individuals who come to them for help with a problem as people who have a
disease or sickness. (Woodside & McClam, 2018) The public health model is like the medical model
but focuses on groups in the population rather than individuals, as they are more concerned with how
an individual’s problem may be part of a bigger problem. (Woodside & McClam, 2018) Lastly, the
human service model’s focus is to provide services to people who seek help for their problems and are
most concerned about how these people function within their environment. (Woodside & McClam,
2018)
The Medical Model: This model assumes that mental disorders are diseases that impair an individual's
ability to function. The illnesses require medical attention in medical clinics, or hospitals and receive
services such as physical therapy, medication, and laboratory studies. The medical model is geared
towards individuals and address them as patients.
The Public Health Model: The public health model focuses on groups in a population rather than just
an individual and their problems, geography, and age. This model believes that mental disorders are
the result of pressures created by society. This model has preventative actions by way of school
activities, films, etc.
Human Services Model: This model focuses on the interaction with the individual and their
environment emphasizing the need for balance between them. Clients of this model typically struggle
with interpersonal and environmental conflicts which could be faulty learning, biochemical
imbalances, etc. Treatments include services for both the client and the people within the institution
where they're located. This model is based around the clients' strengths.
Similarities: The medical and public health models are the same with the exception of one being
tailored for individuals while the other is geared towards groups. The public health model is the bridge
between the medical and human services models.
Resources:
Woodside, M. R., & McClam, T. (2018). An Introduction to Human Services (9th ed.). Cengage
Learning US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781337671262
Woodside, M. R., & McClam, T. (2019). An introduction to human services (9th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
