Catalonia expands mental health programs for students and teachers

Educational authorities in Catalonia are expanding mental health and emotional wellbeing programs for both students and teachers. The Department of Education and Vocational Training is implementing initiatives such as the Kokora’t emotional competence program in all primary schools and the Henka program, which offers experiential workshops on resilience and self-esteem for secondary students. To support educators, the ‘Benestar per estar Bé’ program has been introduced to prevent professional burnout.

Additionally, a new guide will be published to help educational centers detect and manage suspected eating disorders, establishing coordination between educational and health sectors.

In higher education, Rovira i Virgili University (URV) reports significant growth in its Psychological Care Service (SAP). Since transitioning its management to the Department of Psychology six years ago, the service has seen student attendance rise from approximately 320 to over 800 people. A key component of this success is the VIVIM program, an online self-help tool based on cognitive behavioral therapy designed to help students manage stress through practical coping strategies.