Presentation Information
[SY-94-01]A Balanced Approach to Mental Health Care: Community Mental Health Services Development in Taiwan
*Jen-Pang Wang (Taiwanese Society of Psychiatry; Bethel Psychiatric Clinic(Taiwan))
Keywords:
Community Psychiatry,Preventive Psychiatry,Mental Health Act
Taiwan's mental health care system has undergone a notable transformation, shifting from a predominantly institutional framework toward a more balanced, community-based model. This presentation outlines the stages of development in Taiwan’s mental health system, from its early focus on hospital-based care for severe mental illness to the gradual integration of community mental health services. Central to this evolution has been the amendment of the Mental Health Act, which has strengthened patient rights and promoted deinstitutionalization.Recent efforts have emphasized preventive psychiatry, particularly early intervention strategies aimed at reducing the onset and severity of mental illness through timely detection and care. However, despite advancements in policy and practice, significant unmet needs remain within the system. These include service gaps, workforce limitations, and ongoing social stigma, which hinder access and continuity of care.Drawing on Taiwan's experience, this presentation advocates for a culturally informed, integrated mental health model that balances institutional and community care. Lessons learned may offer valuable insights for other countries in the Pacific Rim and beyond as they seek to reform their mental health systems in ways that are both effective and culturally responsive.