Strengthening Capacity in Specialist Mental Health Care: An International Collaboration Model between Spain, Cuba and Mexico

TRIANGULAR CO-OPERATION 2024

A model of specialist care for vulnerable populations in north-western Mexico, where access to mental health care is limited.

The aim is to strengthen technical and technological capacities for the development of a community health system that will enable greater access to mental health services for vulnerable populations who lack specialised care in assessment and diagnosis in Tijuana, Mexico.

The shortage of specialist services in Baja California is due to a number of factors. The stigma surrounding mental health conditions discourages people from seeking help, which reduces demand and, consequently, investment in resources. Furthermore, socio-economic inequalities and a lack of public funding have led many mental health professionals to opt for private practice, which further limits access within the public system. Without the appropriate equipment, mental health assessments may be incomplete or inaccurate, thereby affecting the quality of treatment.

The integration of mental health services with advanced neurophysiological techniques in this new unit will enable early detection and accurate diagnosis of mental health disorders. This is particularly crucial following the alarming rise in post-pandemic cases amongst children and adolescents. Public institutions currently lack the equipment and methods required to address these needs effectively.

This technology will not only raise the standard of care in Tijuana, but will also position the unit as a model that can be replicated in other regions, setting a standard for advanced mental health care in resource-limited settings.

Project objectives

Integration of mental health

The integration of mental health services into primary care, aimed at improving access to specialist health services

Developing procedures and protocols for specialist mental health assessments

In the fields of neuropsychology and neurophysiology, and expanding the capabilities of the community-based laboratory serving vulnerable populations.

Human resources training

Through free training courses for local healthcare staff to enhance their skills in neurophysiological and neuropsychological assessment.

Producing reports and developing outreach mechanisms

To help destigmatise mental health, such as podcasts, newsletters and a YouTube channel.

Assessing needs

To characterise the local population through a needs assessment of the community served, and to promote evidence-based decision-making in the areas of health and wellbeing.

Establishing a permanent collaborative network

Extending beyond the duration of this call for proposals, to facilitate an understanding of the challenges in mental health and promote the development of innovative and effective solutions.