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Over the past three decades, China’s economic reforms have achieved great success. However, rapid urban isation and economic growth are generating new challenges for the country and its mental health system. For various historical reasons, mental health services have been a low priority in China. In the past 5 years, both the international community and media have shown great interest inthese services. Most international experts have assessed China’s mental health system according to western standards, and have focused on negative events that occasionally arise. 1 We feel that a more balanced introduction to China’s mental health system is warranted, one that includes its pitfalls, progress, and challenges. An estimated 173 million Chinese people have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, of whom 158 million have never received any treatment. 2 China has roughly 20 000 psychiatrists, 3 of whom only …