Clifford W. Beers was an American mental health advocate born in 1876. He is best known for his influential book, "A Mind That Found Itself," published in 1908, which detailed his personal experiences with mental illness and the treatment he received. Beers' work highlighted the need for reform in mental health care and aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. In 1909, Beers founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene, which later became the National Mental Health Association. His efforts contributed to the establishment of better mental health services and increased public awareness about mental health issues, influencing future policies and practices in the field of mental health care.