Portugal’s Emergency Medical Service Receives Nearly 5,000 Mental Health Calls This Year

Portugal’s National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) has seen a significant increase in calls for psychological support this year. Their Crisis Intervention and Psychological Support Center (CAPIC) received 4,837 calls between January and August 2024, representing a monthly average of 604 calls. While this is a decrease from the same period in 2023, the INEM’s Mobile Psychological Intervention Units (UMIPE) have been activated 922 times, a 292 increase compared to last year. The primary reasons for these calls include suicidal behavior, emotional and behavioral changes, and critical incidents. The CAPIC, staffed by 31 clinical psychologists, provides 24/7 support to callers through the INEM’s Urgent Patient Orientation Centers (CODU). In addition to phone support, the teams are dispatched to locations when needed, responding to mental health crises, suicidal behavior, and situations involving abuse or violence.