The impact of the process of deinstitutionalization of mental health services in Canada: an increase in accessing of health professionals for mental health concerns.

This research evaluates accessing of community-based mental health services in relation to the ongoing process of deinstitutionalization of mental health services in Canada. From 1998/1999 to 2002/2003, the process of deinstitutionalization decreased in intensity among the provinces that implemented deinstitutionalization earlier and increased in intensity among the provinces that implemented deinstitutionalization later. By 2002/2003, average days of care per 1,000 population in psychiatric units in general hospitals exceeded days of care in psychiatric hospitals (transinstitutionalization). Accessing of community-based mental health services by individuals with higher levels of psychological distress increased in all provinces from 1998/1999 to 2002/2003.