Mental illness causes a substantial health burden in all regions of the world, and is a major contributor to world poverty.

Developing a National Mental Health Policy is designed to support those involved in developing locally appropriate mental health policies, emphasising the crucial role of primary care, NGOs, the social sector, schools and workplaces, and the criminal justice system as well as the specialist mental health services.

The book addresses the principles of human rights, mental health legislation, mental health information systems, human resources, accountability and financing as well as key cultural issues. It gives a comprehensive and up to date account of the task of tailoring mental health services to the needs of countries in the post-institutional era.