The Lithuanian Ministry of Health has initiated a project aimed at improving mental health services for minors suffering from psychological and behavioral disorders. Currently, the same team of specialists caters to both children and adults in mental health centers, which has raised concerns about the adequacy of care tailored to young patients. The new proposal focuses on ensuring that children and adolescents have access to a dedicated team, which includes a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a medical psychologist, and various supportive roles such as mental health nurses and social workers.

This initiative is driven by the objective of increasing accessibility to mental health services funded by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (PSDF) and aims to provide these services closer to where young patients live. By delineating a separate specialist team for minors, the project is expected to enhance the quality of care and ensure that the specific needs of children and adolescents with mental health issues are adequately addressed. This shift appears to be a response to the growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by young individuals in mental health contexts.

As the country grapples with a rising demand for mental health services among its youth, this plan is a significant step towards systemic reform within the Lithuanian healthcare system. By providing targeted services for minors, the government is not only aiming to improve mental health outcomes for children but also to alleviate the burden on existing healthcare providers who are currently stretched thin by managing a dual patient demographic. Furthermore, this initiative could serve as a model for future mental health policy in the region, as it addresses the critical area of mental health care for younger populations.