worldbank.org (09.07.2025) This paper highlights the successes and challenges of international mental health innovations, providing a roadmap for achieving sustainable, rights-based care systems that prioritize the whole-life needs of individuals and communities. The global shift from institutional to community-based mental health care represents a critical evolution in addressing the needs of individuals with mental health conditions. However, significant challenges persist in implementing systemic reforms, particularly in lower- and middleincome countries (LMIC), where psychiatric hospitals continue to dominate. Deinstitutionalization (DI), a cornerstone of these reforms, requires not only the closure of psychiatric hospitals but also the transformation of mental health systems into holistic, community-centered models. This transition involves legislative support, resource reallocation, and the development of integrated services addressing housing, employment, and social inclusion. Human rights frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, are increasingly shaping policies, emphasizing empowerment, dignity, and the active participation of individuals with lived experience.