Reform of the mental health care system in the Republic of Croatia

Abstract

Abstract Issue/problem The pandemic and earthquakes that hit Croatia have increased the need to develop an effective community based mental health care system. Description of the problem In Croatia, the hospitalization rate for depression has doubled in the last 20 years, and the growing needs are mainly related to the mental health of children and young people. The average length of hospital stay due to mental disorders is higher than the EU average, as is the suicide rate. Due to insufficient recognition at the primary level of health care, inadequate treatment and stigma, people with mental disorders rarely seek help. Results Croatia is in the process of adopting the Strategic Framework for Mental Health 2022-2030. The Action Plan for community based mental health service and the Action Plan for mental health promotion, the early detection and treatment of mental disorders are being developed. Emphasis is on intersectoral cooperation, reorientation of the mental health system to community-based care, empowerment, especially of young people, through social emotional learning in school programs, peer support and involvement of young people in decision-making processes. Increasing the mental health literacy, destigmatization, empowering people with mental health disorders to participate in designing interventions, establishing multidisciplinary mobile teams to provide community services and the cooperation of all sectors in mental health care are emphasized. The national program for improvement mental health literacy of educational staff was launched. Telemedicine services have been developed, and the pilot project Providing psychosocial services by mobile multidisciplinary teams have been implemented. Lessons Comprehensive, multidisciplinary and multisectoral action is needed to effectively address the problems in the mental health care system. Key messages • Community based mental health care is client oriented care. • People with experience of mental disorder and their families must be involved in the decision-making process.