IN FEBRUARY 1963, President John F. Kennedy made a historic speech before Congress on the subject of mental illness. Kennedy discussed the shortcomings of state mental institutions and called for "a bold new approach" to helping the mentally ill, including the establishment of community mental health centers.

By the 1960s, the stage had been set for such an approach. Attitudes toward mental illness and the most effective and humane ways to help people had changed. New medications had been shown to reduce some severe mental symptoms. Politicians, mental health professionals, and others spoke out on behalf of the mentally ill, challenging the long-standing stigma against them. The government took a more active role in promoting mental health and making services available to more people throughout the country.

Scientists showed a heightened interest in how society itself influences people's behavior...