For courses in Mental Health Nursing. Formerly titled Essentials of Mental Health Nursing, this leading text offers in-depth information in a manageable length as it presents concrete methods to help students develop effective communication, assessment, and intervention techniques. Using the nursing process as the organizational framework along with numerous clinical examples and nursing care plans it builds students' confidence in their abilities to turn theory into practice. The underlying theme is the importance of respecting clients' rights to their own values, beliefs, and decisions.