POLICY BRIEF
Public Health Rev.
How can access to mental health services in Switzerland be improved in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic?
- CS
Camilla Sculco
- MM
Marco Meneguzzo
- EA
Emiliano Albanese
University of Italian Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
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Abstract
Background and evidence: The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic posed exceptional challenges for society and healthcare systems, with adverse effects on population's mental health. Studies conducted in Switzerland witness a growing burden and increasing prevalence of psychological distress in the population, particularly among vulnerable groups. At the same time, the pandemic caused variations in the use of mental health services in Switzerland. The issue: It is crucial to fully understand how the pandemic impacted population mental health and the use of mental health services in Switzerland and to outline evidence-informed recommendations to improve access and support for those in need. Recommendations: [1] Strengthening mental health services for vulnerable populations. [2] Re-structuring mental health services and their capacity to cope with the increasing demand. [3] Enhancing prevention and promotion of mental health and wellbeing.
Summary
Keywords
Mental Health, common mental disorders, COVID-19, Health services use, Switzerland
Received
17 June 2024
Accepted
20 June 2025
Copyright
© 2025 Sculco, Meneguzzo and Albanese. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Camilla Sculco, csculco@addictionsuisse.ch
Disclaimer
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