Which facility should a nurse rank as the lowest priority for expansion in a community mental health program?

In considering the priority for expansion within a community mental health program, long-term hospitals rank as the lowest priority. This is due to the shifting focus within mental health care towards more community-based services rather than institutional care. Long-term hospitals traditionally provide prolonged inpatient treatment, which can lead to a more rigid and less flexible approach to mental health care.

The trend in modern mental health care emphasizes treating individuals in less restrictive environments, promoting recovery and community integration. Partial hospitalization programs, residential services, and psychiatric home care all align more closely with current best practices that support patient independence and community involvement. These options foster recovery in a setting that encourages therapeutic relationships, social integration, and skills development. Therefore, expanding long-term hospitals does not reflect the contemporary understanding of mental health treatment, which prioritizes access to community resources and flexibility in care.