The “recovery model” and the mental health care reform: evidence, differences and elements for a latinamerican agenda

Abstract

In this article we describe what is known as the recovery approach to mental health, considering the possibilities and potentialities that this model offers to Latin America. We propose that its adoption would enhance the modernization of systems and policies on mental health in the region. Although improvements in these areas are well recognized and documented, the participation of users and the development of services according to their needs and interests constitutes an important gap. We briefly describe the historical roots of the recovery model and the evidence that supports it, emphasizing how the model has transformed mental health care in different regions of the globe. Some emerging regional experiences following the principles of recovery are described as well. Finally, we propose an agenda to promote an orientation towards recovery in the region. Two underlying principles are highlighted: 1) the leading role that users must play in this process; and 2) the need for a comprehensive contextuali-zation, not only for adapting the model but to start formulating our own paradigm for Latin America, inspired in what has been done in the AngloSaxon world, but open to being locally transformed and shaped.