Institutional psychiatry

Institutional psychiatry refers to the approach of diagnosing and treating mental health conditions within specialized hospital or clinical settings. It involves a structured environment where patients receive comprehensive psychiatric care, including medication, therapy, and monitoring, often for severe or complex mental illnesses. The goal is to stabilize symptoms, support recovery, and improve functioning in a safe, controlled environment. While historically more common, modern practices emphasize community-based care, with institutional psychiatry typically reserved for cases needing intensive or short-term intervention.