Community child psychiatry: The example of mobile mental health units in the NE and western cyclades

Abstract

This chapter outlines innovative measures in the field of community child psychiatry in Greece and abroad, with emphasis on the special features of interventions in geographically remote areas. It presents the work done by mobile mental health units in the NE and Western Cyclades in the child psychiatry sector. Reference is made to the clinical work and the differences noted in terms of new cases, initial requests, referrals and diagnoses over the 10 years the units have been in operation. In addition it presents measures taken to record needs, promote mental health among children and adolescents, and in terms of the prevention and management of abuse. The data and the measures taken are directly tied into the new conditions which have emerged in Greece as a result of the socioeconomic crisis.