Actually, the changes to mental health laws and the demise of asylums began in 1968 with the passage of the Community Mental Health Act. This was a law that was championed by JFK because he had a sister that had been "mistreated" by the existing mental health system. As with most laws designed to "right" some kind of wrong, the "solution" went way beyond what any reasonable person would suggest as a remedy. CMHA '68 effectively dismantled the federal and state mental health systems, and turned that responsibility (and funding) over to community-based mental health programs. Many of these programs were mismanaged, funds were diverted, and centers shuttered. State hospitals were left out of the "solution", and have been closed, repurposed, or simply torn down. So, here we are now...with a totally dysfunctional mental health system.
I say, bring back Arkham Asylum! In the meantime, carry what you are good with.