Millions trapped in psychiatric institutions

Around the world, very large numbers of people with mental health conditions live in psychiatric hospitals and social care institutions.

“about half were brought in against their will, stripped of basic daily choices like what to wear or when to eat, and cut off from the outside world”

Institutions consume most mental health funding

Across the world, nearly half of all public mental health funding is spent on maintaining large psychiatric facilities, while access to community-based mental health care for millions of people remains underfunded and overlooked.

“nearly half of all public mental health funding is spent on maintaining these large facilities”

Sri Lanka shows the path forward

Sri Lanka replaced isolated institutions with community-based services over the past twenty years. Today, mental health care is delivered through inpatient and outpatient units in general hospitals, outreach clinics, and child mental health clinics throughout…

Deinstitutionalization requires full support systems

Deinstitutionalization is not simply about reducing hospital beds. It requires creating conditions for people to live independently with access to appropriate housing, education, employment, social protection, and person-centered mental and physical health care.

“Deinstitutionalization is not simply about reducing hospital beds”

WHO releases guidance for countries to transition

The World Health Organization has released new practical guidance to help health leaders navigate deinstitutionalization.