Denmark launches nationwide psychiatric acute telephone service

Denmark has implemented a nationwide psychiatric acute telephone service to provide citizens with streamlined access to mental health support. As of August 17, 2026, the initiative ensures that individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises can receive professional guidance through existing emergency channels, such as 112, 1813, or 1818, depending on their region.

The service is staffed by nurses and social and health assistants with specialized psychiatric expertise. These professionals are trained to advise, assess needs, and facilitate rapid contact with relevant psychiatric services. This development is part of a broader 10-year plan for psychiatry and a 2023 agreement aimed at equalizing the treatment and accessibility of mental health compared to physical health.

Regional leaders and the Minister for Health and the Church, Ida Auken, noted that the service provides a single, unified entry point for acute help, regardless of whether the crisis is physical or mental in nature.