In what year did deinstitutionalization begin?

The process of deinstitutionalization, which aimed to shift the care of individuals with mental illness from large psychiatric hospitals to community-based settings, began in the early 1960s. The year 1963 is particularly significant due to the passage of the Community Mental Health Act in the United States, which provided federal funding for the establishment of community mental health centers. This legislation marked a pivotal moment in mental health policy, promoting the idea that individuals with mental health issues could receive adequate care and support outside of institutional settings.

The emphasis of deinstitutionalization on integrating individuals into their communities facilitated advancements in treatment approaches, including outpatient services, housing support, and various community resources. By starting in 1963, this movement laid the foundation for significant changes in how mental health care was perceived and provided in subsequent decades.