Scaling up mental health services within the PHC approach: lessons from the WHO European Region

Overview

Mental health conditions significantly impact health and socioeconomic stability in the WHO European Region, affecting over 125 million people, particularly vulnerable groups. Sociopolitical crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, further exacerbate this psychological distress. Despite the potentially pivotal role of primary care in addressing mental health needs, various barriers limit its effectiveness in many contexts. This policy paper outlines a strategic framework to scale up mental health services within primary care and align them with the primary health care approach, emphasizing integrated, people-centred care. Four strategies are proposed: (‎1)‎ enhancing mental health competencies of primary care workers through education and training; (‎2)‎ integrating dedicated mental health professionals into primary care teams; (‎3)‎ strengthening linkages between primary care and specialist mental health services; and (‎4)‎ fostering multisectoral collaboration to address social determinants of mental health. Successful implementation of these strategies requires strong policy support, investment in human and physical resources, improved financing mechanisms and collaborative governance. By overcoming existing barriers and adopting these strategies, primary care can significantly improve mental health outcomes across the Region, ensuring patients receive appropriate services that prioritize the least invasive treatments in accessible environments.