Whatever Happened to Community Mental Health: Portents for Corporate Medicine

An assessment of what happened to community mental health is presented through recent comments from psychiatrists who were deeply involved in the movement in the 1960s and 1970s and through an analysis of its current status in relation to corporate medicine. Respondent's views range from beliefs that significant accomplishments were made to opinions that achievements were limited because of the lack of financial, psychiatric, and other commitments. The author believes many of the concepts of the movement, such as team care, prevention, and early detection, will be revitalized in preferred provider organizations, health maintenance organizations, employee assistance programs, and other aspects of corporate medicine.