The impact and results of community support systems for patients with severe mental illness

Background/Objectives: In the city of Utrecht, the Netherlands, with approximately 3,000 patients with severe mental illness, mental health care and general welfare organizations have been working together since the year 2000 in establishing a comprehensive community support system. The objective is to meet the needs for care and support of patients with severe mental illness so that they can live satisfactory and more independently in the community. Methods: A research project was conducted to monitor the development of the community support system and to identify its impact on these patients. Three research st…