Innovative mental health programs in Latin America and the Caribbean

In the last quarter century, several projects emerged to reform mental health services in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Some did not survive the difficulties that inevitably arise in processes of change, and ended up disappearing before the intended changes could be introduced. Others, however, as shown in this publication, were able to overcome difficulties and meet intended objectives, effectively transforming the structure and quality of services. All these projects, including the many that did not survive, were part of one of the richest experiences in the transformation of mental health care worldwide - the experience of mental health reform in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Despite the conceptual wealth of reforms developed in this part of the world and the enormous creativity demonstrated in implementing new models, these reforms are little known internationally. Even at the regional and national levels, surprisingly little is known about them. This publication is an attempt to help to change that, conveying to interested readers some of the more innovative experiences implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean. Granted, it is only a first step, but one I hope will be followed by other initiatives that assess the impact and publish the results of reforms undertaken in the Region.