The struggle for mental healthcare in new orleans-one case at a time.

Using cases publicized in the media, this article demonstrates key issues that have led to the crisis in mental healthcare in New Orleans. These cases demonstrate the plight of chronically mentally ill individuals returning to New Orleans, the emotional stresses faced by New Orleans residents rebuilding their lives, and the consequences of shunting mental health services from a healthcare setting to law enforcement. This article also describes preexisting deficits in Louisiana's mental health system that contributed to this crisis as well as factors that have hampered the rebuilding of the mental health infrastructure in New Orleans. Finally, this article suggests future changes for needed mental health services after a large-scale disaster.