Psychology, medicine and the human condition known as mental health

This paper examines the relationship between psychology and medicine and what is currently described as "mental health". It raises some questions as to the validity of the means used by both medicine and psychology in their involvement with the human condition known as mental health. Both psychology and medicine tend to operate on the assumption that the individual is a sick person who needs treatment, rather than a well person who needs help. Suggestions are offered as to how the emphasis may be redirected toward a more humanistic approach to use in the development of a helping relationship.