A MODEL OF A SINGLE COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE FOR A CATCHMENT AREA: A COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVE TO HOSPITALIZATION

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Abstract
The possibility of overcoming the psychiatric hospital with a single community service consisting of a network of territorial activities for the total population of a defined area is described. An evaluation is made from 1971-1983. Handicapped children are treated essentially in the family and normal educational structures. Diagnostic prevalence of more serious cases, modes of treatment, scholastic facilities and rejection of special schools are described. Work methods and community facilities, mean-year incidence and 1-yr prevalence of patients aged 15 + are examined. The latter convalidates priority towards serious risk situations. Specific rehabilitation and work-reintegration are programmed for handicap and disability patients. Release of long-stay psychiatric patients continues through alternative programs with housing facilities. By 1985 the psychiatric hospital should close down. The population is treated by the C.M.H.S. [community mental health service] when hospitalized in the general hospital where no psychiatric ward exists. Crisis intervention, alternative treatment and hospitalization statistics are described.