ABSTRACT
Introduction Community mental health services vary depending on the country where the services are provided but in general refer to the systems of care where persons receive treatment outside of a hospital or inpatient setting and close to where they live. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2013) community mental health services are more accessible and effective, lessen social exclusion, and are more likely to ensure care and support for human rights. However, many countries have either closed their mental health hospitals, lack adequate mental health services, or have not developed much needed services within their community to meet the expanding mental health needs of the population. As a result, many persons seek treatment from general practitioners, primary care, hospital emergency rooms, traditional healers, or receive no treat - ment at all.
