The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guide urging countries to shift from long-term institutional mental health care towards person-centred, community-based services that protect individuals’ rights, dignity and choices.
Released ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the guide outlines practical measures for psychiatric hospitals to reduce prolonged admissions, improve institutional practices and support people returning to community life.
WHO defines deinstitutionalisation as helping people who have spent six months or longer in psychiatric hospitals return to their communities with appropriate care and support. The organisation emphasises that this transition requires more than changes within hospitals. Access to housing, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, social services and family support is essential to helping people live independently and participate in their communities.
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According to WHO’s Mental Health Atlas, only 9% of reporting countries had fully transitioned to community-based mental healthcare, while 53% remained at an early stage of reform. More than one in four people admitted to psychiatric hospitals stayed for longer than six months.
“People should not have to give up their freedom, dignity or place in their community to receive ongoing mental health support,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Countries must move away from relying on long-term institutional care and accelerate the shift of investments from institutions to rights-based mental health care and support in communities.”
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The initiative aligns with the 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.” WHO is urging governments and healthcare providers to work alongside people with lived experience to build more inclusive, accessible and responsive mental health systems.
