Greece to introduce new mental health legislation

Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis has announced a new mental health bill to be submitted to Parliament in the coming days. The legislation aims to prioritize mental health through several key structural changes.

Key provisions include the establishment of the Panhellenic Association of Psychologists (PASYPSY) to regulate and promote the profession, as well as the creation of two new scientific bodies: the National Observatory of Psychotherapy and Counseling Mental Health, and the National Observatory of Forensic Psychiatry. These observatories will serve as scientific support tools for the Ministry of Health to facilitate data-driven decision-making.

The Minister also emphasized the ongoing psychiatric reform, focusing on deinstitutionalization and ensuring that mental health services are accessible within the community. The initiative seeks to incorporate the voices of service users into the decision-making process. Additionally, the Ministry continues to promote the 10306 psychosocial support line, which provides free and anonymous 24-hour assistance to citizens.