La crisis silenciosa de los pacientes psiquiátricos y sus familiares en Venezuela Venezuela’s public mental health system is in severe decline, characterized by a lack of resources, insufficient specialized staff, and exorbitant medication costs, forcing families to shoulder the burden of care. Despite the critical need, public psychiatric services operate at minimal capacity, with facilities deteriorating and essential medicines scarce. The situation leaves thousands of patients without adequate support, deepening the crisis despite international programs and government promises.

• Public mental health services in Venezuela are severely under-resourced and understaffed, operating at minimal capacity.
• Patients and their families face significant financial burdens due to the high cost of medications and private care, as public resources are scarce.
• There is a lack of specialized personnel and adequate infrastructure in psychiatric facilities across the country.
• Stigma surrounding mental illness prevents many families from seeking or openly discussing the need for psychiatric care.
• While international programs like mhGAP are being implemented, a lack of resources hinders their effective application and follow-up.
• Government promises of funding from oil and gas revenue offer a glimmer of hope, but the crisis in mental healthcare remains dire.