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The meaning of community in community mental health
Author(s) -
Hunter Albert,
Riger Stephanie
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6629(198601)14:1<55::aid-jcop2290140106>3.0.co;2-d
Subject(s) - mental health , ideology , dialectic , trace (psycholinguistics) , meaning (existential) , sociology , natural (archaeology) , community development , public relations , psychology , epistemology , political science , environmental ethics , psychotherapist , politics , geography , law , philosophy , linguistics , archaeology
This article critically reviews the development of community mental health in both theory and practice and explores new directions and dilemmas for future policy and programs. First, we trace the dialectical development of the ideology of community mental health and the rediscovery of community. Second, we outline the two key transitions: (a) from professionals to natural helpers and (b) from catchment areas to natural networks. Third, we offer alternative conceptions of community from the sociological literature and suggest ways that these can benefit new program planning. We conclude with a series of policy questions that legitimate the expansion of community mental health beyond the parochial confines of the local community.