Description

A traveling exhibit from the National Library of Medicine explores the history of mental health treatment in the United States. This history, shaped by tension between the concepts of care and custody as appropriate responses to people with mental health issues, ranged from asylums and incarceration to improved drug and talk therapies and advocacy for human rights. Physicians, psychiatric survivors, families and government agencies have all shaped mental health policies. “Care and Custody: Past Responses to Mental Health” examines how the country has moved away from custodial forms of treatment, sought a more inclusive society and worked to protect the rights of people with mental health conditions. Learn more and view resources about this exhibit online from the National Library of Medicine: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/careandcustody/index.html

Visitors may also view a companion exhibit of artifacts from VCU Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives that relate to the history of mental health support and care in Richmond. 

Items from the Health Sciences Library’s circulating collection focused on the history of mental health care and support are on display and available for checkout in the lobby.