Editorial: What will the 21st century bring? An emphasis on quality care.

Day-to-day concerns frequently take precedence over abstract concepts for psychologists practicing in the United States. However, traditional mental health services are a subset of the more generic health care environment, and changes in this environment will eventually affect the daily practice of mental health practitioners. For a profession to continue to mature and thrive, leadership must be aware of and capitalize on relevant national and international changes. In the 21st century, advances in technology and communication will affect the quality of services and will likely result in increased stress for practitioners and patients. This article reviews developments within the American Psychological Association and explores both current and potential roles that will shape the future of professional mental health practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)