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The invention of the National Health Service and its introduction in 1948 was a major turning point in British psychological history. This land mark event marks a distinctive turning point in how British Psychology differs from the history in the United States.
Post the Second World War, the strong labour government introduced the NHS in light of the injuries (both physical and mental) inflicted upon the people of Britain during the war. This introduction meant made mental health a public matter with services available everyone. During this period there was a major influx of child guidance clinics, for example see the Maudsley hospital and the work of Margaret Lowenfeld. Hospitals such as the Maudsley and the Tavistock joined the NHS and specialised services were developed with particular concerns focusing on children and the impact of war on the family.