Psychiatric services for individuals with serious mental illnesses have been inadequate and a public disgrace. To correct this situation, we must assign responsibility at the state and local, not federal, levels, and prioritize services for the sickest patients. Psychiatric professionals who have been trained with public funds should have an obligation to work in public sector positions. State laws regarding the mentally ill must be amended to ensure that those who need treatment can be treated. Housing for the seriously mentally ill must be improved in both quality and quantity. Finally, research on the causes, treatment, and rehabilitation of serious mental illnesses must be increased substantially.