Plan for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Work - Proposals for development of mental health and substance abuse work 2015

Abstract

The national plan for mental health and substance abuse work outlines the core principles and priorities for the future of mental health and substance abuse work until 2015. The plan starts from the premise that mental health problems and substance abuse play a major role in public health. For the first time in Finland, the plan sets joint objectives for mental health and substance abuse work at the national level. The plan emphasises the strengthening of service user status, promotion of mental health and abstinence from substances, prevention and treatment of problems, harm reduction and provision of mental health and substance abuse services for all age groups with a focus on primary and community care. New key policy definitions for service system development include the principle of low-threshold single entry points for access to treatment at social and health centres and the introduction of integrated community care units for mental health and substance abuse services. The plan is concluded with a presentation of the steering tools necessary for the implementation of the plan.