WILLEMSTAD - The Dutch Caribbean Mental Health Federation has presented the first-ever Regional Mental Health Report for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Regiobeeld GGZ Caribisch Gebied 2024) — offering a unified overview of mental healthcare across the islands.

According to the report, a total of 8,400 clients received mental health treatment in 2024. Of these, 56% were women, while 30% were under the age of 25 and another 30% were over 55. The most common diagnoses were psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, followed by depressive disorders, neurobiological developmental disorders, and trauma- and stress-related conditions.

Participating Institutions

The regional analysis was developed through collaboration among five mental health organizations across the islands:

Fundacion Salud Mental Aruba Respaldo (Aruba)

Stichting Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Curaçao (GGZ Curaçao)

Stichting Opvangtehuis Brasami (Addiction Clinic Brasami)

Fundashon Perspektiva i Sosten Integral (PSI) – Skuchami (Community Mental Health Services)

Mental Health Caribbean (MHC)

Data Collaboration Yields New Insights

The federation emphasized that the report demonstrates how data collaboration across islands is both feasible and valuable, providing key insights for policy development and clinical practice.

Despite existing differences in data registration and system coverage, the report establishes a solid foundation for long-term monitoring and evaluation of mental healthcare services in the Dutch Caribbean.

According to the federation, this first edition marks an important milestone toward evidence-based policymaking and improved coordination across the mental health sector in the region.