A point of view: it’s time to stop neglecting community mental health teams

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that recent attention has been focused on inpatient services at the expense of community mental health teams and that it is time to redress the balance.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a personal viewpoint.

Findings

In writing this piece it has enabled us to focus on just how widespread the issues are regarding the lack of focus on community services, and that the view and paradigm needs to change on all levels/structures. Services need to recognise the wide scope of community services and the part they inevitably play in someone’s recovery journey. It also throws the spotlight on services working too often in silos deeply affecting people in receipt of the services.

Originality/value

To stimulate debate about the role of community mental health teams.

Citation

Watkeys, F. and Morton, S. (2015), "A point of view: it’s time to stop neglecting community mental health teams", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 95-97. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-03-2015-0011