What was a cause of deinstitutionalization in mental health treatment?

Deinstitutionalization in mental health treatment emerged largely due to the belief that mental institutions were inhumane. Throughout the mid-20th century, reports and investigations revealed the poor living conditions and treatment practices within these institutions. Public awareness of the harsh realities faced by individuals confined to these facilities fueled a movement advocating for reform.

This belief prompted policymakers and mental health advocates to push for more humane treatment options, leading to the closure of many large institutions. The idea was to shift care from institutional settings to community-based services, emphasizing the rights and dignity of individuals with mental health conditions. Community care was perceived as a less restrictive, more compassionate approach, aiming to integrate patients into society while providing support.

While advancements in pharmaceutical treatments and changes in societal attitudes toward mental illness also played significant roles in deinstitutionalization, the core motivation was the shift in perception regarding the inhumanity of existing mental health institutions. Increased funding, on the other hand, generally came later as part of efforts to support community-based alternatives, rather than being a precursor to deinstitutionalization.