Franco Basaglia

Franco Basaglia was an Italian psychiatrist and reformer who challenged traditional mental health practices in the 1960s and 70s. He believed that people with mental illnesses should be treated with dignity and respect, rather than confined in institutions. His efforts led to the closure of many mental hospitals in Italy and promoted community-based care, emphasizing social integration and human rights. Basaglia's work greatly influenced global mental health reforms, highlighting the importance of understanding mental illness beyond mere medical treatment and advocating for the patient's autonomy and social inclusion.