Deinstitutionalisation

Deinstitutionalisation refers to the process of replacing long-stay psychiatric hospitals with less isolated community mental health services for those diagnosed with a mental disorder or developmental disability. Deinstitutionalisation works on the principle that people will recover more quickly and integrate more effectively into society when treated in community-based facilities.

History[edit | edit source]

The process of deinstitutionalisation began in the mid-20th century, largely due to the introduction of antipsychotic medications and the recognition of the inhumane conditions in many psychiatric institutions. The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 was a significant catalyst in the United States, aiming to construct community mental health centers to care for people in their home communities.

Process[edit | edit source]

Deinstitutionalisation involves the gradual phasing out of institutional care and the transition to community-based care. This process includes the development of community mental health services, supported housing, and other support systems. It also involves the reintegration of individuals into the community, often through occupational therapy and social skills training.

Criticisms[edit | edit source]

While deinstitutionalisation has been praised for its humanistic approach, it has also faced criticism. Critics argue that community-based services are often inadequate and that many individuals with severe mental illnesses end up homeless or in prison. The phenomenon of transinstitutionalisation refers to this shift of care from psychiatric hospitals to jails and homeless shelters.