Psychiatric hospitals: 28% stay over six months

For 28% of people admitted to psychiatric hospitals, a stay lasts more than six months, the World Health Organization says. On 9 October 2026, it calls on countries to reduce long admissions and build mental health care in communities. Almost half of people with mental health problems in psychiatric hospitals and social care institutions remain there against their will for months, years or even decades, the organisation warns.

Those long stays can cut people off from the outside world. World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says people should not have to give up their freedom, dignity or place in their community to get continuing support.

Change is moving slowly

The organisation has published a guide to help countries shift care out of institutions and into communities, a process known as deinstitutionalisation. Its Mental Health Atlas shows that only 9% of countries that submitted reports had fully adopted community-based mental health care. Another 53% were still in the early stages of reform.

The guide also recommends better protection of people’s rights while they are in hospital and support for their return to community life.

Support beyond the hospital

That return depends on more than hospital care, the organisation says. Access to housing, medical care, social support, education and work opportunities matters, as does help for families.

People who have lived in institutions should help shape the changes, the guide says. Independent adviser Grace Gatera argues that their experience is essential: the move to community care must happen with them, not simply be planned for them.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com