Editorial - Journal of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry (2025) Volume 9, Issue 1

Global mental health policy: Progress, gaps, integration

Dr. Fatima Al-Saleh^*

Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University

*Corresponding Author:

Dr. Fatima Al-Saleh
Department of Psychiatry
King Saud University.
E-mail: fatim.alsaleh@ku.edu.sa

Received : 02-Sep-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGP-25-191; Editor assigned : 04-Sep-2025, PreQC No. AAAGP-25-191(PQ); Reviewed : 24-Sep-2025, QC No AAAGP-25-191; Revised : 03-Oct-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGP-25-191(R); Published : 14-Oct-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/aaagp-9.1.191

Citation: Al-Saleh DF. Global mental health policy: Progress, gaps, integratio. J Age Geriat Psych. 2025;09(01):191.

Introduction

The global mental health landscape is evolving, with policies aiming for more accessible and equitable care. Nations are addressing how to integrate services, bridge treatment gaps, and adapt to emerging needs. In Brazil, integrating mental health services into primary care faces significant policy hurdles like insufficient infrastructure and stigma, despite some successes. This requires robust political commitment, adequate funding, and inter-sectoral collaboration to improve care accessibility and equity [1].

Insights from countries with successful mental health policies show the importance of strong leadership, human rights-based approaches, and integration into general health services, along with community-based models. These strategies demand adequate resource allocation and data-driven adjustments for sustainable progress [2].

India’s policy roadmap aims for a preventative, integrated mental health system, moving beyond crisis-oriented care. It calls for increased investment, professional capacity building, and leveraging digital technologies to expand access, especially in underserved rural areas, making mental health a core part of public health [3].

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted an urgent need for a policy agenda addressing exacerbated mental health challenges. This includes increased funding for research, expanded telehealth, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, emphasizing mental health support integration into disaster preparedness and recovery [4].

A significant global mental health treatment gap, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, demands policy implications such as scaling up evidence-based interventions, integrating mental health into primary care, and strengthening community-based services. This requires sustained political commitment and funding to expand access [5].

Sub-Saharan Africa shows progress in mental health policy frameworks but faces persistent challenges in funding, human resources, and integration into broader health systems. This calls for tailored, context-specific interventions and stronger community engagement to meet the region's diverse needs [6].

Integrating mental health services within Universal Health Coverage frameworks worldwide needs substantial political will, financial investment, and a shift towards community-based, person-centered care. Robust monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure equitable access and quality of services [7].

Policy is crucial for dismantling mental illness-related stigma and discrimination. The Lancet Commission suggests actions like legal reforms, public education campaigns, and anti-discrimination measures in healthcare and employment sectors, essential for fostering inclusive societies and improving global mental health outcomes [8].

Integrating digital mental health tools into standard care offers immense potential for access and efficiency, yet brings policy challenges in data privacy, regulatory oversight, and equitable access to technology. Thoughtful frameworks are needed to balance innovation with patient safety and privacy [9].

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the critical need for evidence-based mental health policy, stressing rapid knowledge translation into practice and adaptive frameworks. Robust data collection and flexible policies are vital for effective responses to mental health needs in future emergencies [10].

Conclusion

Mental health policy development and implementation globally faces a mix of progress and persistent challenges. Integrating mental health services into primary care is a recurring theme, seen in Brazil where policy successes are juxtaposed with hurdles like insufficient infrastructure and stigma, requiring political commitment and funding. Globally, effective mental health policies often feature strong leadership, human rights-based approaches, and community-based care models, underscoring the need for adequate resource allocation and data-driven adjustments. India’s policy roadmap advocates for a preventative, integrated system with increased investment, capacity building, and digital technology use, especially in rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted an urgent need for increased mental health research funding, expanded telehealth, and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, emphasizing integration into disaster preparedness. A significant global mental health treatment gap exists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, necessitating scaled-up evidence-based interventions and sustained political will. Sub-Saharan Africa shows improvements in policy frameworks but struggles with funding and human resource gaps, demanding tailored, context-specific approaches. Achieving Universal Health Coverage for mental health needs political will, financial investment, and a shift to person-centered care. Policy plays a vital role in dismantling stigma through legal reforms, public education, and anti-discrimination measures. Integrating digital mental health tools presents opportunities for access and efficiency, alongside challenges in data privacy and equitable access. The pandemic also underlined the critical need for translating evidence into flexible mental health policies for future emergencies, relying on robust data and adaptive frameworks.

References

1. Mariana dSS, Marcelo EP, Simone BdO. Integrated mental health care in primary care: challenges and opportunities in policy implementation in Brazil.. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024;24(1):593.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Mark VO, Dévora K, Shekhar S. Global mental health policy: Lessons from countries with effective policies.. World Psychiatry. 2021;20(3):421-422.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Vikram P, Ragini S, Lakshmi K. From crisis to opportunity: A policy agenda for mental health in India.. Lancet Psychiatry. 2023;10(1):58-60.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Steven HH, Sarah MH, Michael SP. Mental health in the COVID-19 era: a policy agenda.. Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(11):2795-2798.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Helen H, Shekhar S, Mario M. Addressing the global mental health treatment gap: Policy implications from low- and middle-income countries.. World Psychiatry. 2019;18(2):147-148.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Charlene S, Crick L, Inge P. Progress and challenges in mental health policy in sub-Saharan Africa.. Br J Psychiatry. 2022;221(3):569-570.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Shekhar S, Natalie D, Devora K. Mental health in the era of Universal Health Coverage: lessons from global experience.. Lancet Psychiatry. 2020;7(4):295-296.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Graham T, Sara E, Peter A. The Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health: policy implications.. Lancet. 2022;400(10367):1980-1981.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. John T, John L, Steven HH. Digital Mental Health Policy: Challenges and Opportunities for Implementation.. J Clin Psychiatry. 2020;81(4):20ac13583.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Helen H, Shekhar S, Dévora K. Translating evidence into mental health policy: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.. World Psychiatry. 2021;20(2):221-222.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref