title: Greece: the transition to community care.
abstract: The system of psychiatric care in Greece is described. It was based until recently on overcrowded, large asylums inhabited by chronic mental patients. The mental health system was highly centralized, with an uneven distribution of both facilities and manpower. Out-patient and rehabilitation facilities were particularly scarce. Recent reforms funded by both the Greek State and the Social Fund of the EC are outlined. These changes started in the late Seventies and are aimed at creating a comprehensive system of community-oriented mental health care. The new system is gradually being deployed, and it is expected that in the following years it will effectively cover the needs of the whole country.
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000639:trends*; D003688:Deinstitutionalization / Q000639:trends; D006115:Greece; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends; D006742:Hospital Bed Capacity; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends