WHO urges countries to replace institutional psychiatric care with community support

The World Health Organization released new “Care Not Custody” material advocating a shift away from long-term psychiatric institutions and toward community-based mental-health services. The approach emphasizes dignity, personal autonomy and supporting people within their families and communities whenever safe and appropriate.

Why it matters: Many countries still rely heavily on institutional care, where patients can become isolated and face restrictions or human-rights violations. Community programs can improve social inclusion, but they require adequate housing, trained professionals and sustained funding.