There are 19 regions in Italy that work to organize and deliver healthcare services. Mental health services in Italy are provided by the National Health Service in numerous settings (Donatini, 2018). Mental health can be treated in hospital inpatient wards, psychiatric diagnostic centers, or other facilities (Donatini, 2018). In 2012, around 69,000 patients were treated in facilities. The legislative changes in 1978 in Italy resulted in the closing of all mental hospitals (Barbui, Papola, and Saraceno, 2018). The transition focuses mostly on the delivery of care from hospital-based treatment to community delivery (Barbui, Papola, and Saraceno, 2018). Italians believe that a person with a mental disability have the right to treatment just like someone with an illness. Additionally, no one should be treated unless they volunteer or if there is an emergency. Mental health services are included in the national health plan that Italy has.

The access to healthcare in Italy is interesting. Most patients can access mental health services directly, while others get services in hospitals, general practitioners, or private practitioners (Volpe, et al., 2013). Studies show that hospital doctors and other practitioners are mainly where patients are seen first (Volpe et al., 2013). It is important that general practitioners and physiatrists work together.

In Rome, Italy the first mental health service is Studio Koine. Their phone number is 334-370-6244. The psychologists use their knowledge to provide care in a cozy and warm studio to make people feel comfortable. In Florence, Italy, Ipsico is a group of psychologists who help people with kindness make people feel at ease in their situations. Their contact information is 055-246-6460. Dr. Elena Borreani is a clinical and counseling psychologist in Milano, Italy. She specialized in anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences and can be reached at elena.borreani@gmail.com. Lastly, Dr. Capuano is a psychologist in Naples, Italy. The contact information is 333-455-0417 and they offer great services.

Reference:
Donatini, A. (2018). The Italian health care system. Retrieved from https://international.commonwealthfund.org/countries/italy/

Volpe, U., Fiorillo, A., Luciano, M…….. (2013). Pathways to mental health care in Italy: results from a multicenter study. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 60(5) https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0020764013501648