I was talking with a friend yesterday about mental health—other people’s, not mine. Our conversation about the lack of funding for mental health services reminded me of the old motor oil commercial where the mechanic says, “You can pay me now or you can pay me later.” Getting an oil change is a lot cheaper than an engine overhaul and the care and treatment of mental disorders is more cost effective and more humane than leaving counterproductive and violent behavior untreated with the resulting devastation to the families involved and to innocent bystanders who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.