Mental health services for youth face shortages in Brazil

Public health services for children and adolescents are facing challenges in Brazil. In Betim, the termination of nighttime services at the Centro de Referência em Saúde Mental Infantojuvenil (Cersami) has caused concern among families. The facility, designed for 24-hour care to support patients with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and psychosis, is facing criticism from local officials and parents regarding the loss of continuous support.

In Rio Branco, the CAPSi Damião Nunes da Costa is currently operating without a psychiatrist. The Municipal Health Secretariat (Semsa) described the situation as a “momentary absence of a medical specialist in Psychiatry,” noting that a general practitioner with mental health specialization is covering duties. While the city has conducted hiring processes, officials stated that summoned professionals failed to assume their posts. This shortage was reported just one day after the inauguration of a new 24-hour CAPS III unit for adults.