Deinstitutionalization: a microcosmic perspective.

Changes have taken place in caring for chronic patients due to deinstitutionalization, and these changes have affected the services rendered by the community mental health centers. Statistical data on dehospitalized patients treated in a community mental health center located in the South Central Bronx are examined to determine trends in service utilization by these patients. Demographic characteristics of this population are also examined. Issues surrounding treatment and rehabilitation of chronic mentally ill patients are critically explored and recommendations for changes in the care of the chronically mentally ill patient are offered.