Brazil's SUS expands mental health tele-assistance for gambling addiction

Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) has significantly expanded its mental health tele-assistance services to address gambling addiction. The capacity for remote consultations has increased from 600 monthly sessions to a potential 100,000 per month.

This expansion comes in response to the rapid growth of online betting and its impact on mental health and family finances. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha noted that the initiative aims to use the same technology that facilitates addiction—the smartphone—to provide care and support. The remote service is designed to serve as an accessible entry point for individuals who may feel shame or embarrassment regarding their gambling behavior.