Question

 

There is an evidence that mapping mental health systems (MHSs) helps in planning and developing mental health care services for users, families, and other caregivers. Describe the role of Community Behavioral Health Organizations worldwide and in Saudi Arabia specifically; What services do these organizations provide to people with mental and behavioral disorders? How do these organizations make their services accessible to people who need them?

 

Answer 1

In response to the challenges posed by the large burden attributable to mental disorders, there is now a growing global interest to design and evaluate strategies that can effectively help countries scale up mental health services for their populations.

- In this respect, several authors have argued that the integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC) is one of the fundamental strategies necessary to provide the full spectrum of mental health care, consisting of prevention and health promotion, early intervention and rehabilitation.

- In response to the challenges posed by the large burden attributable to mental disorders, there is now a growing global interest to design and evaluate strategies that can effectively help countries scale up mental health services for their population. In this respect, several authors have argued that the integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC) is one of the fundamental strategies necessary to provide the full spectrum of mental health care, consisting of prevention and health promotion, early intervention and rehabilitation.

- A few studies have assessed factors that may facilitate or hinder the goal of integrating mental health into PHC. Health systems can however respond to the high burden of MNS if strengthened. Through integration, there is an opportunity to provide holistic care, patient centered interventions and ensure cost effectiveness in service delivery at Primary Health care level. People can also seek the services near their home (PHC settings) thus keeping their families together and remain productive.