Timeline-History of Mental Health

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Timeline-History of Mental Health 1900’s * In 1908 a man who suffered from mental issues himself started a mental health movement; this man’s name was Clifford Beer. Beer’s organization, “The National Mental Health Association”, now known as “Mental Health America” was created to prevent and treat mental illness in children. After gaining momentum and support the National Mental Health Association expanded creating the National Committee for Mental Hygiene. 1940’s * In 1946 President Harry Truman signed the National Mental Health Act (NMHA). This act was created after World War II, due to the rise in post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues. * In 1948 Dr. Erich Lindemann, a psychiatrist in Boston, created a community mental health center. He created this center after a fire killed 492 people and injured hundreds. 1950’s * Congress passed the Mental Health Study Act in 1955. This act was passed in order to improve mental health services being given and additionally to expand current clinics so they would be available to anyone who needed it. 1960’s * President John F Kennedy signs the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Center Construction Act of 1963. * In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson passed the Social Security Amendments, which provided money and support for a combined effort towards the Mental Health of Children thus providing centers for research on child/family mental health, suicide, crime, etc. * In the mid-1960’s alcohol abuse received full recognition thus recognizing the National Center for Prevention and Control of Alcoholism as part of the National Institute of Mental Health. * Medicaid created to help people with disabilities as well as others in need. 1970’s * In 1972, Supplemental Security Income was created to provide benefits for people with mental

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