Abstract
Objective This study investigated and discussed the current status of community mental health service in three northern areas of China (Beijing, Harbin, and Karamay) in an effort to improve the community mental health services in China.
Methods In this study 176 residents from communities of the three northern areas of China were involved and divided into 18 groups. The study was conducted according to a self-prepared structured interview outline.
Results The analysis was conducted based on the following four perspectives: 1. community residents’ understanding of the mental health problems and how they treated psychiatric patients; 2. community residents’ access to and application of mental health information; 3. community residents’ attitude to accept mental health services and the factors influencing community residents to seek help from mental health services; and 4. community residents’ attitude and willingness to participate in the activities of community mental health services.
Conclusion Based on the investigation and analysis regarding the current status of the community mental health services in three northern areas of China, it is concluded that the residents do not have s clear and complete understanding of mental health. The characteristics of mental health services had a regional correlation. Currently, the mental health services do not work effectively, and the residents are somewhat passive in obtaining information about mental health. Community mental health services should be offered according to different individual needs of the residents and the actual situations of each region.
