A comprehensive model for mental health

In Catalonia, more than one million people live with some form of mental disorder. The figures call for action: almost one in four people over the age of fifteen report suffering from emotional distress, and among children—aged four to fourteen—7.4% acknowledge having some kind of mental health problem. These figures are part of a global reality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people worldwide will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. These figures not only highlight the magnitude of the challenge but also directly call upon all of society: we must view mental health as a collective responsibility and act to reverse this trend. It is in this context that the National Mental Health Pact was born, an initiative of the Catalan government that aims to provide a comprehensive, coordinated, and transformative response to one of the major social and health challenges of our time. The agreement promotes a new way of understanding mental health: a cross-cutting approach that puts people at the center and integrates all areas—healthcare, education, social services, and community—with the goal of guaranteeing real and sustainable emotional well-being throughout life.

Key Players in the Recovery Process

The National Mental Health Pact advocates for a unique and transformative model that places the individual at the center and understands mental health from a biopsychosocial perspective, that is, taking into account the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence well-being. The goal is to move from a treatment-based approach to a participatory one, where people with mental health problems are no longer seen solely as patients but become the protagonists of their own recovery process. This new model also emphasizes coordination among all stakeholders (government agencies, healthcare services, specialized organizations, and family associations) to guarantee comprehensive care that respects the rights of each individual.

Projects that are already transforming care

The shift in perspective promoted by the pact is already becoming visible through several projects launched in recent years. Since 2022, innovative initiatives have been implemented to improve the detection, support, and inclusion of people with mental health problems. Among these actions, the creation of Punts Blaus (Blue Points) in all universities stands out. These are reference points for detecting and addressing situations of emotional distress and offering personalized support and advice to students. Also noteworthy is the Temporary Program to promote the presence of arts and culture as a tool for health and well-being, coordinated by the Department of Culture, and the Ocell de Foc (Firebird) grant program, from the Department of Labor, aimed at projects that promote personal autonomy and inclusion of young people between 16 and 30 years old with mental health issues. [BK_SLT_LNA] Stepped Intervention Model

In line with the National Mental Health Pact, the PDSMiA (Mental Health and Addictions Prevention and Treatment Plan) has been developed. This plan serves as the information, study, and proposal tool through which the Department of Health establishes guidelines for promoting, planning, coordinating, and evaluating actions related to mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment of mental health-related illnesses. Within this framework, a profound transformation of the care model is underway, striving for a more accessible, equitable, and continuous network. This community-based approach is also reflected in the tiered intervention model, which organizes services according to levels of intensity. In this way, each person can access the type of care best suited to their individual needs. Within this framework, the Collaborative Program between Mental Health, Addictions, and Primary and Community Care (PCP) is a prime example of success: professionals from both fields work together in primary care centers (CAPs) to detect cases early, improve coordination, and ensure more accessible and integrated care.

Children and young people, in the center

Child and adolescent mental health is one of the Plan's top priorities. The 52 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centers (CSMIJ) cover the entire country with highly specialized multidisciplinary teams, working in coordination with day hospitals and inpatient units. However, some highly vulnerable children and adolescents or those with complex family situations need closer support. Therefore, the Plan includes the creation of home-based crisis intervention teams, made up of professionals from different disciplines, to provide immediate response to situations of severe psychological distress and prevent disorders from becoming chronic. Suicide prevention: a national priority

Suicide is the leading cause of premature death among young people aged 25 to 34 in Catalonia. To reverse this reality, the Catalan Suicide Prevention Plan 2021-2025 (PLAPRESC) establishes a comprehensive framework to strengthen early detection and intervention in cases of depression and suicidal risk, aligned with WHO recommendations. PLAPRESC builds upon the experience of the Suicide Risk Code program and promotes a collaborative strategy involving government departments, professionals, organizations, and civil society. Furthermore, the pandemic reinforced the need for this plan, highlighting the importance of caring for emotional well-being and supporting the most vulnerable groups. Fewer long-term stays

The strategic lines of the PDSMiA are already yielding tangible results. In just one year, Catalonia has achieved zero long-term admissions to mental health facilities in the areas where the Functional Recovery and Life Project Units (UFRPV) operate. Thanks to this model, more than 60 people who would have had to be admitted to long-term institutions have begun a recovery process with community support, accompanied by multidisciplinary teams and peer support (P2P) professionals. This change symbolizes the shift from a system focused on institutionalization to a rehabilitative and community-based approach that puts the person at the center and prioritizes their reintegration into their usual environment, with the necessary tools and support to rebuild their life project. The 6 strategic lines of the National Mental Health Pact