Starting in September 2026, Calabria will launch an initiative aimed at changing access to mental health support. The announcement came through the social channels of the President of the Region, Roberto Occhiuto, who presented the birth of the online psychologist and the territory.
The primary objective of the measure is to break down any bureaucratic and temporal barriers for those who find themselves experiencing moments of vulnerability. To take advantage of the first contact, a GP’s prescription will not be required: citizens will be able to request support directly and immediately. Here’s what we know so far about the new service.
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First listening via WhatsApp and presence in the Community Houses
The real logistical innovation of the project lies in the integration between digital technology and widespread presence in the territory. Users will in fact be able to initiate the first contact by sending a simple message on WhatsApp or by calling a dedicated number.
The system provides an orientation infrastructure that guides the citizen towards the most suitable specialist path: from IT channels to in-person assistance guaranteed by the Community Houses distributed throughout the regional territory. This intervention follows the introduction of the school psychologist in 2024, consolidating the public psychological protection network.
A message of inclusion against social isolation
The architecture of the service was designed to intercept emotional distress early and counteract the sense of loneliness. Eliminating the medical referral process allows you to reduce waiting times and overcome the stigma that often accompanies the request for psychological treatment.
Through the graphics and messages released for the imminent activation of the service, the Calabria Region aimed to reassure the population on the accessibility of care. The institutional message posted on social media and addressed to citizens perfectly encapsulates the meaning of the initiative and more generally of psychological support:
When you feel alone or in crisis, asking for help should be simple. You are not alone, you are not alone.
