The authors present statistics from Harris County, Tex., that indicate
community psychiatry is making progress toward its goals of decreasing
inpatient hospitalization and increasing services to the community. At the
present ratio of services, a 30%-40% increase in outpatient services could
theoretically eliminate the inpatient system. The authors stress the fact
that inpatient facilities are still vital and offer directives for the
future roles of the hospital and of community psychiatry.Abstract Teaser