[The German community mental health system-a review]

The German mental health system has several peculiarities compared to its international counterparts. It shows a surprising amount of heterogeneity, as a variety of payers and care providers interact on the basis of a broad set of legal standards.This narrative review presents the historical background, current organizational aspects, several open questions, and future perspectives. It assumes that there is a need for future care concepts that overcome sector borders, observe the need for coordination and quality indicators, take into account the need for trialogic concepts (users, family, and professionals), reflect on human rights and ethical principles, and consider the need for prevention.