Block grants and federal promotion of community mental health services, 1946-65.

The current Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health block grant program represents a return to the form of federal promotion of community mental health services that existed in the 50s and early 60s. Federal mental health policy during this period is outlined, and associated changes in the number and characteristics of outpatient psychiatric clinics are described. This policy is contrasted with both the CMHC program that succeeded it and the current block grant program. Differences with the earlier block grant suggest that the current one will be minimally effective in maintaining or increasing state support of community-based services.