[The "Hilfsverein für Nerven- und Gemütskranke in Württemberg" - On Post-Discharge Community Care for Psychiatric Patients, 1895-1975]. / Der "Hilfsverein für Nerven- und Gemütskranke in Württemberg" ­ Zur Geschichte poststationärer Begleitung psychisch Kranker, 1895­1975.

This article on the history of psychiatry provides an introductory overview of the development of psychiatric Hilfsvereine in Germany and for the first time describes the history of the Hilfsverein in the former kingdom of Württemberg - from its foundation until 1975, exploring various archival sources including this society's own archives. Since its foundation, the Hilfsverein had played a central role in the post-discharge care and support of mentally ill people in Württemberg. Until the years of National Socialism, the focus was on individual cases and family support, with a sharp ideological cut in this era. With the expansion of the social-psychiatric care structures, beginning in the late 1960 s, the focus of the society's work clearly shifted towards the support of projects for out-patients. The history of the Hilfsverein shows evidence of various breaks, as well as adjustments to political change and changes due to the development of the psychiatric care system.