Portugal implements new mental health support programs for youth

Regional authorities in Portugal are implementing new initiatives to support youth mental health. In Barcelos, the municipality and the Local Health Unit of Barcelos/Esposende (ULSBE) have signed a collaboration protocol for the ‘JovemMente Barcelos’ project. This initiative aims to promote well-being and quality of life, with the Casa da Juventude already providing clinical psychology consultations to 200 young people.

In the Azores, the Regional Directorate for Youth introduced the ‘Vale Ment(ON)’ program during a session in Nordeste. This public response provides a 400-euro voucher to residents aged 15 to 26 to acquire individual sessions with specialized psychology professionals. The program focuses on emotional resilience, prevention, and developing essential life skills such as self-esteem and pressure management.