Deinstitutionalization in the Field of Mental Health in Armenia: Contemporary Issues

Abstract

This article presents the problems of deinstitutionalization in the field of mental health in the Republic of Armenia based on the analysis of international documents defining the rights of persons with mental health problems. This article comprehensively discusses the way of deinstitutionalization in the field of mental health in the Republic of Armenia, the transformations that have taken place in the process, the current situation, the problems, the ways of overcoming them, filling the existing gap in this respect. The article substantiates the need for deinstitutionalization as a guarantee for the realization of the right to independent living and inclusion of people with mental health problems in the community in the Republic of Armenia. At the same time, the existing problems in Armenia in this regard are presented, both at the policy and practical levels. The author emphasizes the development of a comprehensive research-based document and a roadmap for the process as a way of overcoming identified issues.

Keywords

• Mental health
• deinstitutionalization
• independent living
• community involvement
• Armenia