Abstract

ESCALONA-ZORITA, Patricia et al. The reorganization of a community mental health center for children and youth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pap. Psicol. [online]. 2021, vol.42, n.3, pp.215-221.  Epub June 06, 2022. ISSN 1886-1415.  https://dx.doi.org/10.23923/pap.psicol.2973.

The heath crisis caused by COVID-19 has required a reorganization of mental health centers. This article describes the reorganization proposal that was applied in a child and adolescent mental health unit (outpatient and community care). The specific intervention strategies developed in the different phases of the pandemic are presented according to the sanitary restriction measures and the different levels of intervention required (prevention, primary care, and specialized care). In addition, the number of visits made during March-July 2020 is compared to the same period in 2019. We conclude that there has been a rapid adaptation from the face-to-face care framework to a telematic approach through a flexible reorganization. However, the decrease in face-to-face assistance and the cancellation of therapeutic groups have significantly increased the pressure of care. A rise in autolytic behaviors and eating pathologies has been observed that should be investigated in future studies.

Keywords : Clinical child and adolescent psychology; Mental health; COVID-19; Child and adolescent mental health; Services organization.

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