“The professionals weren’t from here”: provision of mental health services in the context of the Colombian armed conflict

This study highlights how both the provision of health services and armed conflict act as key social determinants of mental health. In Montes de Maria, the complex mental health and psychosocial needs of the population remain unmet due to the absence of adequate, context-sensitive health services. Moreover, existing regulations designed to ensure access to mental health services fail to translate into effective implementation in the region. A potential solution lies in the sustained community engagement, from the initial planning of healthcare services to the direct involvement of community members as health promoters. The proposed SDMH framework, along with this study's findings, should serve as the foundation for updating Colombia's National Mental Health Policy, ensuring a dedicated section that addresses the specific needs of regions affected by armed conflict.