Home-based treatment has been promoted as an alternative to hospital admission over the last 30 years, with the system in England being particularly well developed. There is less stigma, patients and families appear to prefer treatment at home, and there has been a significant reduction in the number of acute beds. In more recent years, there have been criticisms of the lack of effect on reducing hospital admissions and concerns have also been raised about patient safety. Home-based treatment is being further developed on the island of Ireland, and this will hopefully be influenced by current and future local research.