The workshop deals with various aspects of the provision of psychiatric services in Europe in general and in selected European countries.

The differences in the provision of psychiatric care between East and West will be highlighted and the need to channel the recommended action in an appropriate need – centered way is emphasized. Other challenges in the provision of psychiatric services will also be dealt with.

The advances, the challenges and the problems in mental health provision in selected European countries in East and West (Serbia, Germany and France) will be presented under the light of recent developments in these Countries (e.g. the new French Mental Health Plan).

Special emphasis will be given to the difficulties in the transition from Mental Hospital Psychiatry to community care and to the ethical aspects of this transition.