Mental Health Act

United Kingdom [1959]

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The Mental Health Act of 1959 in the United Kingdom was a significant piece of legislation that replaced earlier laws concerning psychiatric disturbance and intellectual disability. This act established that individuals requiring treatment for psychological disorders could receive it in a hospital setting, similar to any other medical condition. It also placed community mental health services under the purview of local health authorities, who were to collaborate closely with hospital and outpatient centers. This marked a shift towards integrating mental health care within the broader healthcare system and emphasized community-based support alongside hospital treatment.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

mental health
National agencies
The Mental Health Act of 1959 nullified earlier British laws governing policies toward psychiatric disturbance and intellectual disability. The act provided that a person requiring treatment for a psychological disorder could obtain it in a hospital on the same basis as any medical complaint. Community mental…
Read More
The Mental Health Act of 1959 nullified earlier British laws governing policies toward psychiatric disturbance and intellectual disability. The act provided that a person requiring treatment for a psychological disorder could obtain it in a hospital on the same basis as any medical complaint. Community mental…
Read More