Quintana Roo Expands Free Mental Health Care Network Across the State

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo is stitching together a statewide network of free mental health services, combining two specialized clinics, eight community centers and mental health care at 24 hospitals and health centers, state officials said.

The State Health Services (SES) coordinates the effort with municipal governments, federal agencies, civil organizations, professional associations and other institutions. Officials described it as a core part of the agenda of Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa.

Where the services are available

• Two UNEME CISAME units — Medical Specialty Units housing an Integral Mental Health Center — in Cancún and Chetumal.
• Eight CECOSAMA centers — Community Centers for Mental Health and Addictions — in Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, José María Morelos, Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Othón P. Blanco, plus two in Benito Juárez.
• Mental health services at hospitals and health centers in 24 locations across the state.

So far this year, the network has delivered 10,919 mental health consultations, counting both first visits and follow-ups at hospitals and health centers.

The two UNEME CISAME units have provided 3,545 first-time and follow-up consultations in Benito Juárez and 2,531 in Othón P. Blanco.

The free services include psychiatry and psychology care, addiction prevention, mental health promotion, early detection of mental disorders and suicide prevention measures.

The outpatient network gives families across Quintana Roo access to professional mental health and emotional wellbeing support at no cost through scheduled appointments, making it easier to obtain guidance, a diagnosis and specialized care.

Outreach to students and rural communities

State Health Services staff also maintain an active presence at universities and high schools, promoting spaces for guidance, listening and prevention aimed at protecting the mental and emotional health of young people.

Those efforts are paired with the mobile medical caravans known as “Salud para todas y todos,” which travel through neighborhoods and communities in all 11 municipalities with staff trained in mental health.

Health Secretary and SES Director General Dr. Jorge Gutiérrez Contreras said that alongside in-person consultations, the state promotes the Línea de la Vida hotline at 800 911 2000, a free service that offers guidance and specialized psychological support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Gutiérrez Contreras also pointed to the formal installation of the State Mental Health Council and the State Council Against Addictions, bodies intended to strengthen coordination among the three levels of government, institutions and civil society and to widen prevention networks so that people who need help find a nearby, professional response.