Alternatives to admissions in mental health: Home treatment from the Spanish and Anglo-Saxon perspective

Abstract

In Spain, most of the admissions in mental health units imply a lack of freedom since they are carried out in facilities with closed doors or under restrictive conditions. This article analyzes the characteristics of those admissions and its legislation in Spain; then, it is compared with the United Kingdom model, where there is a specific law for mental health. We describe their model of home treatment, which is implemented as an alternative to hospital admissions. In conclusion, there is a better legislative protection of mental health users' fundamental rights in the United Kingdom than Spain. Legislative reform and the development of health policies to reduce hospitalizations and promote other treatment alternatives are necessary. Home treatment has proven to be an effective alternative to hospital admission, allowing the person to be treated in the least restrictive environment possible and greater respect for their autonomy.