The Integration of Mental Health in Primary Care

A joint report by the World Health Organization and the World Organization of Family Doctors on the integration of mental health in primary care is now available.

`Integrating mental health into primary care - a global perspective' presents the justification for integrating mental health, and advice on how to do so.

Drawing on both the latest evidence and in-depth analysis of 12 case examples of successful integration, the report highlights 10 broad principles to guide countries in their efforts to successfully integrate mental health into primary care.

Download a copy of the report

This report is divided into distinct parts, with different needs in mind.

Part 1 provides the context for understanding primary care for mental health within the
broader health care system.

Chapter 1 provides the context for understanding primary care for mental health within
the broader health care system. It describes how integrated primary care for mental health
works best when it is supported by other levels of care, including community-based and
hospital services.

Chapter 2 describes the rationale and advantages of integrating mental health into primary
care. It outlines the current burden of mental disorders around the world, and the widespread shortfalls in the health sector’s response.

The chapter then explains how providing mental health treatment and care through primary care improves access and promotes human rights, and ultimately produces better health outcomes at lower costs for individuals, families and governments.

Part 2 explains how to successfully integrate mental health into primary care and highlights 10
common principles which are central to this effort.

It also presents 12 detailed case examples to illustrate how a range of health systems have undertaken this transformation.

If you wish to have the report translated into another language please contact:

Dr Michelle Funk, Coordinator, Mental Health Policy and Service Development (MHP), Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Switzerland - funkm@who.int

or Dr Gabriel Ivbijaro, Chair, Wonca Working Party on Mental Health - gabriel.Ivbijaro@gmail.com