Prior to the Community Mental Health Center Acts of 1963, where did most adults with psychiatric disabilities reside?

Most adults with psychiatric disabilities prior to the Community Mental Health Center Acts of 1963 primarily resided in institutional or state hospital settings. During that time, the mental health care system was heavily reliant on these large institutions, which were intended to provide long-term care for individuals with serious mental health conditions. These facilities often functioned as the predominant option for managing psychiatric disabilities due to limited community resources and understanding of mental health issues.

The passage of the Community Mental Health Center Acts was a significant shift towards developing community-based services aimed at deinstitutionalization, allowing for more humane and effective treatment options. This transition sought to integrate individuals into society rather than isolate them in institutional settings, marking an important change in the approach to mental health care. The options involving community housing facilities, residential care homes, or private clinics were not as prevalent or supported in the same way as institutional settings during this period.