Normative framework and occupational mental health hotlines in Colombia: an analysis of their results and challenges

Abstract

This article discusses the interaction between regulations and the implementation of mental health hotlines for the working population in Colombia, as well as the results obtained from this initiative. Two elements were analyzed here: the role of hotlines in workers’ mental health and the role of regulations in their functioning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about mental health increased, highlighting the effectiveness of hotlines. The document review presents findings from existing literature on mental health hotlines and the regulatory framework related to this issue in Colombia. Such findings reveal that these lines remain relevant beyond the pandemic and emphasize regulations as a critical factor in promoting mental health in the workplace. Additionally, from a clinical perspective, the focus of hotlines is on improving access to mental health services, which can provide personalized support to workers under emotional pressure. From a research perspective, there is a need to assess the effectiveness of tele-orientation in the workplace and devise strategies to optimize its integration with other mental health services.