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Community mental health centers (CMHCs) share a rich history in the United States, which dates back to the period immediately following World War II. Before this time, mental health issues were stigmatized and many people with mental illness remained without effective treatment or were institutionalized (Grob, 1991). After thewar, at least three factors converged to improve mental health care. First, rather than simply confining people with mental illness, mental health professionals, and the communities that they served began to value the treatment of patients in less restrictive environments. Second, the advent of psychotropic medicationsmade it increasingly possible for patients to be appropriately discharged from institutions while having their mental health needs met (Grob, 1991). Third, federal funding in the 1960s assisted communities in developing CMHCs to treat a range of disorders. In concert with this funding, federal mandates outlined specific areas that would be targeted by the CMHCs, including outpatient, inpatient, day treatment, emergency services, and educational guidance to the community (Mechanic, 1998). CMHCs were also encouraged to pursue diagnostic and rehabilitation services, training, research, and evaluation. Presently, CMHCs around the country provide a range of services individualized to their own communities and are less bound by clients’ abilities to pay than many other service delivery institutions. Although they serve their specific community needs, CMHCs continue to provide primary services to their individual clients. Services are usually |
