Abstract
Even those who are not psychiatric nurses find themselves caring for patients with psychiatric disorders. Adults with a mental health and/or substance abuse diagnosis accounted for 1 of 4 hospital stays in 2004. Whether the patient's problem is physical, mental, or both, most care is self-care. Psychoeducation improves health outcomes by optimizing self-care skills, engaging family and community supports, and promoting early recognition of problems and appropriate interventions.