Italy Allocates €80 M to Boost Mental Health Services, Announces New National Plan

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci told parliament that mental health represents a silent emergency, with more than 1,700 daily visits to emergency rooms for psychiatric disorders. He highlighted the government's approval of the first National Mental Health Plan for 2025‑2030, the first such strategy in Italy after a 13‑year gap, which aims to strengthen territorial services, promote early multidisciplinary care and place particular focus on children and adolescents.

The 2024 budget law earmarks €80 million for mental‑health initiatives this year, with increasing allocations in subsequent years, and includes a decree to distribute the funds to the regions. In parallel, €100 million has been set aside for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias for 2026, with further resources planned. A new support service called “AscoltaMi”, launched in May 2026, provides non‑clinical assistance to vulnerable students, reinforcing collaboration between schools, families, social services and the health system.