Mental health promotion by local governments: a consensus study on community mental health workers.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability worldwide and requires responses that extend strictly clinical care. Community health workers are increasingly recognized for their potential, yet no clear guidelines exist regarding their roles and training in mental health. This study aimed to establish expert consensus on a framework for implementing a Community Mental Health Worker Program within local governments, focusing on training requirements, strategic priorities, service delivery approaches and potential forms of funding.

Methods

A three-round Delphi study was conducted with thirty experts. Participants rated fifty-seven items, ranked two sets of options, and answered three open-ended questions. Consensus was defined as 70% agreement (rated as "strongly

SUBMITTER: Lourenco B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12484457 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature