WHO's new 146-page playbook: move mental health care out of hospitals, into neighborhoods

The World Health Organization released a 146-page practical guide on October 9 — 'Supporting the transition to community-based mental health and social care' — ahead of World Mental Health Day, whose 2026 theme is 'Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.' The guide shows countries how to move people out of long-stay psychiatric hospitals and back into community life, covering supported discharge, housing, health care, education, employment, and family support. WHO data show only 9% of reporting countries have fully transitioned to community-based care while 53% remain in the early stages. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: 'People should not have to give up their freedom, dignity or place in their community to receive ongoing mental health support.'