Overview of Community-based Mental Health Care in Japan: 
A narrative review

Background Mental health treatment and care in Japan has been in the transformational period to community-based approach. Although social statistical information is available, the local care provision and individual care interaction have not been reviewed recently. Summarizing relevant, up-to-date information is an urgent priority. 
Methods A narrative review was conducted focusing on community-based mental health care in Japan. Through a literature database search, relevant original articles published from 2010 up to 2020 were identified. The included studies were sorted into categories and indexed in the place and time dimensions of the matrix model for the mental health care services. 
Results A total of 25 studies were included covering categories of performance-related, service user-reported, service provider-reported and education-related outcomes. The focuses of the included studies were assertive community treatment, home-visit service, compulsory treatment order, social participation, community program, legislative revision, social withdrawal, public assistance recipient, clinical supervision, disaster mental health service, service providers growing process, and learning in community setting. The research evidence was concentrated in input phase and in individual level. 
Conclusions The review implies not only the development of community-based concept and practice in mental health care but also the uncertainty of evidence and the limited availability of the care. Spaces are left for future evidence and more appropriate utilization of policy and resources.