Opinion: Design community mental-health services around people
Access, continuity and privacy should guide the experience of seeking support.
A WHO commentary highlighted on 12 October 2026 discussed shifting mental-health care from institutions towards communities. This article offers an editorial perspective on service design, not individual treatment advice.
We believe that bringing care closer should be measured by access and continuity, not simply by a building's address. Someone seeking help needs a clear route, an appointment they can attend and an approach that respects privacy.
Services should account for people facing transport difficulties, complex procedures or unaffordable costs. Nearby support does not remove the need for specialist referral where appropriate.
The test we propose is the person's experience from the first request through follow-up, respecting choice and dignity. An organisational change that breaks continuity of support remains incomplete, however persuasive its written plan may appear.
Source: World Health Organization · Source date: 2026-10-12.
اقرأ النسخة العربية · Report an error or request a correction
