Towards local integrated care through the convention for a psychological offer in primary care

Abstract

At the beginning of 2022, the additional offer of primary psychological care was implemented nationwide in Belgium. The main aim of this new convention is to strengthen local integrated care. In line with the public mental health perspective, an offer is set up based on regional needs around prevention and early intervention to prevent mild mental health problems from escalating. To ensure that this care is easily accessible, outreaching and location/community-oriented work is carried out. Special attention is paid to vulnerable target groups ('equity'). Within the implementation of this innovative approach, change management appears to be an important player. This presentation contains - based on the policy experiences since January 2022 - a preliminary evaluation of the opportunities and barriers in the implementation of this project.