Mental healthcare in the Netherlands faces gaps in severe psychiatric care

A new report from the Nederlandse ggz reveals that approximately 62,500 adults with severe mental illnesses in the Netherlands are not receiving adequate care. These individuals often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system, particularly when transitioning from clinical settings or detention back into society. Key contributing factors include a lack of available social housing and unclear responsibilities for ongoing support during critical transitions.

To address this, the report recommends increasing the availability of outreach care in all municipalities and ensuring more housing options for those with mental health issues. The Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid has also previously noted that a significant number of adults with severe mental illnesses receive insufficient support.

In a related analysis, Professor Patrick Jeurissen of Radboudumc argues that the focus of mental healthcare must shift back toward specialized, heavy psychiatric care to combat growing waiting lists. Jeurissen suggests that current waiting times are not merely a result of staff shortages, but an allocation problem, as more personnel have moved toward light mental healthcare. He notes that the policy of reducing institutional beds in favor of home-based care has not necessarily prevented the need for intensive treatment.