The mission of the Belize Mental Health Program is the ‘Provision of integrated, comprehensive and accessible mental health services to the entire population of Belize, focusing on promotion, prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation, and emphasizing community-based services and respect for the human rights of persons with mental health disorders and their care providers.’
Mental Health
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The activities of the mental health program operation plan are based on the Belize National Mental Health Policy (2010) and influenced by two major pieces of legislation – the Medical Services and Institutions Act and the Unsoundness of Mind Act. The values of the program include principles such as human rights, accessibility and equity, integration of mental health services, decentralization and community care, prevention and interpectoral collaboration. The program has attained international and regional recognition for mental health innovations such as task shifting, stepped care, integration of mental health into general health care, community mental health and decentralized care.
The mental health services can be broadly divided into:
- Specialized Outpatient Mental Health Services – Care is accessed via a network of psychiatric clinics in all districts and Belmopan. These clinics are situated within general hospitals or outpatient clinics.
- Acute Inpatient Services– There are 4 dedicated beds for acute care at the Acute Mental Health Unit at the Belmopan Hospital. Persons needing short-term admission for acute psychiatric symptoms in the other districts are admitted to the general wards of district hospitals and Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
- Community Outreach Services – There are several types of community outreach services that are provided at the district level. These include
- Mobile clinics to remote areas
- Scheduled clinics to government institutions such as Kolbe Foundation and the Department of Human Services institutions.
- Community outreach services to those who are confined to their homes or who are non-compliant with their treatment plan.
- Residential Care Services are delivered at the Palm Center mental health facility which is located in the Salvapan area of Belmopan. It is a 42- bed unit which houses long-stay clients who have been diagnosed with chronic and debilitating mental illnesses and needing assistance with daily living activities.
Mental health services require a diverse and extensive workforce to deliver person centered care. This is because the needs of persons with mental health disorders are complex and much support is needed for them to live in the community. The mental health workforce is comprised of:
- 13 Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
- 4 Psychiatrists
- 1 Counselor
- 1 Social Worker
- 1 Occupational Therapist
Mental Health Facilities
NORTHERN HEALTH REGION
Corozal and Orange Walk District
- Corozal Community Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: Santa Rita Layout, Corozal
Telephone: 402-3909, 402-2082 - Northern Regional Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: Orange Walk Town, Holy Trinity Street
Telephone: 302-2072
Central Health Region
Belize District
- Cleopatra White Health Center-Mental Health Department
Location: Belize City, Cor. Princess Margaret Drive & Freetown Rd
Telephone: 223-0131 - Port Loyola Health Center-Mental Health Department
Location: Belize City, Faber’s Road
Telephone: 222 4920
Western Health Region
Cayo District
- Western Regional Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: Belmopan City, North Ring Road
Telephone: 828-4600 (Outpatient clinic) 828-4529 (Acute Psychiatric Clinic) - San Ignacio Community Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: San Ignacio Town, Bullet Tree Road
Telephone: 804-2761
Southern Health Region
Stann Creek District and Toledo District
- Southern Regional Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: Dangriga Town, Hummingbird Highway
Telephone: 522-3832 - Punta Gorda Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: Cor. Cemetery Lane & George Price Street
Telephone: 722-2161
National Mental Health Policy
Western Health Region
Cayo District
- Western Regional Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: Belmopan City, North Ring Road
Telephone: 828-4600 (Outpatient clinic) 828-4529 (Acute Psychiatric Clinic) - San Ignacio Community Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: San Ignacio Town, Bullet Tree Road
Telephone: 804-2761
Southern Health Region
Stann Creek District and Toledo District
- Southern Regional Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: Dangriga Town, Hummingbird Highway
Telephone: 522-3832 - Punta Gorda Hospital- Mental Health Department
Location: Cor. Cemetery Lane & George Price Street
Telephone: 722-2161
Overview of Common Mental Health Disorders in Belize
Mental Health Events
World Suicide Prevention Day- September 10
Observed every year worldwide. The program promotes and supports worldwide actions that aide in the prevention of suicide based on the theme that was selected for that particular year. Several events and activities are held country wide to create awareness and prevent premature death.
World Mental Health Day- October 10
Observed every year worldwide. Activities are held by each district in collaboration with the theme that was selected for that particular year. Activities are planned leading up to the day that create awareness and promote mental health.