Community Mental Health: Evolution, Current Status, and Future Perspectives

Community mental health refers to the provision of mental health services in the community. Epidemiological studies across the globe indicate the presence of major mental health disorders such as major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar affective disorder in all populations. Community mental health services are pivotal in addressing the established treatment gap in mental health care. The chapter unravels the past, present, and future of community mental health globally and in India. This chapter covers six broad aspects namely the concept of community mental health and the need for community mental health services; the evolution of community mental services; policies and programs linked to community mental health care; community mental health practice models, and; human resources for the community mental health. The chapter also focuses on future perspectives on community mental health.