Based on an empirical examination of psychiatric care both past and present, Asylum in the Community clearly defines the concept of asylum and shows how it can be provided effectively outside the hospital. Drawing on work in the USA, Belgium, Spain, Ireland and England, contributors analyse such services from both user and provider perspectives. From these analyses the editors establish the key elements that should be considered in developing contemporary community services for the mentally ill. Asylum in the Community provides a balanced assessment of a controversial, topical issue for managers and providers of mental health services and those teaching or training in the mental health sciences.