Community mental health services--the New Zealand experience.

This overview focuses on a provision of current mental health services in New Zealand and might help professionals from other countries to become familiar with its community based model of care. New Zealand mental health services have undergone significant changes over the last 40 years. These include the closure of old psychiatric hospitals and the development of community based treatment facilities. The New Zealand government has been closely involved with the organisation of mental health services providing strategic directions and financial support. So far much has been accomplished, however some gaps still remain.