Mental health consultations increased by more than 24 thousand between January and September 2025

Santo Domingo. – Between January and September 2025, 247,687 external consultations in mental health in the centers of the Public Network, reported the National Health Service (SNS). This figure represents an increase of 24,440 more services compared to the same period in 2024.

Of the total queries, 176,017 corresponded to psychology and 71,670 to psychiatry. The increase in care reflects the impact of SNS strategies to expand coverage, improve access to psychological and psychiatric services, and promote mental health as an essential pillar of comprehensive well-being.

“This significant increase is the result of continuous work to guarantee access to quality mental health services throughout the country. We have prioritized the integration of specialized personnel and continuous training to provide more timely and humanized care,” he said. Mario Lamaexecutive director of the SNS.

Currently, the Public Network has more than a thousand professionals specialized in mental healthamong them 146 psychiatrists, 77 resident doctors and 1,028 psychologists. Furthermore, it has 16 crisis intervention unitsstrategically located at the national level, which guarantees an adequate and accessible response to the needs of the population.

Staff training

With the aim of ensuring quality care, the SNS has strengthened the continuing training of mental health personnel on key topics such as humanization of servicesthe mhGAP strategy that allows the early identification of mental disorders and their appropriate referral, and comprehensive care for people with substance use and abuse problems.

Workshops have also been developed such as burnout syndromefocused on stress management and self-care, and another on habits that promote emotional well-being and good practicesaimed specifically at psychologists, in order to optimize their professional performance and promote quality care.

These actions reflect the commitment of the SNS to continuous professional development and the improvement of mental health services for the population.

Commemoration

Within the framework of World Mental Health Daywhich is commemorated this Friday October 10the SNS Network Assistance Directoratethrough its Department of Mental Health, invited all health center staff to wear a green garment as a show of solidarity with those who face challenges in this area.

This year, the motto is: “We share vulnerability, let’s defend our mental health”a call to recognize shared humanity and work together to protect and prioritize mental health in all areas.