Community Mental Health Act

The Community Mental Health Act, enacted in the 1960s, aimed to improve mental health care by shifting focus from large psychiatric hospitals to community-based services. It promoted the development of local clinics, outpatient support, and mental health teams, making treatment more accessible and integrated into communities. The goal was to reduce institutionalization, enhance patient quality of life, and provide early intervention. While it expanded community services, some regions faced challenges like insufficient funding and resources, impacting the effectiveness of the shift toward community-centered mental health care.