The ISPA Clinic in Lisbon has launched an affordable psychological support program, offering individual sessions for just €10.This initiative, spearheaded by clinic director Daniel Sousa, aims to address the rising demand for mental health services, notably in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many in vulnerable situations seeking help. The program is designed for adults over 18 facing issues such as anxiety, depression, or life transitions, and is staffed by early-career clinical psychologists and supervised students from ISPA.While the clinic plans to initially assist around 50 individuals, it is structured to expand as more trainees join. Interested individuals can begin the process by filling out an online registration form, leading to an initial consultation to assess their needs.
Q&A: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis – Insights from Daniel Sousa of ISPA Clinic, Lisbon
Editor: Welcome, Daniel Sousa, director of the ISPA Clinic in Lisbon. Your clinic has recently launched an affordable psychological support program that offers individual sessions for just €10. Can you tell us what motivated this initiative, particularly in light of the ongoing mental health challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic?
Daniel Sousa: Thank you for having me. The need for accessible mental health services has never been more critical. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted many individuals, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and othre stress-related issues. We recognized that conventional support systems were overwhelmed and that many individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations, required immediate and affordable help. This program is our response to that need, aiming to make mental health support more accessible to adults over 18 facing thes challenges.
Editor: It’s extraordinary that you’re starting this program with early-career clinical psychologists and supervised students. How does this model benefit both the clients and the trainees?
Daniel Sousa: It creates a dual benefit. Clients receive much-needed psychological support at an affordable rate, while trainees gain invaluable hands-on experience under supervision.This setup fosters a learning environment that enhances the professional advancement of our trainees, who are eager to apply their knowledge while benefiting the community.As they gain experience, they can also bring fresh, innovative perspectives to mental health care.
Editor: You mentioned that the clinic plans to initially assist around 50 individuals. What are your expansion plans as more trainees come on board?
Daniel Sousa: We have designed the program to be scalable. Initially, we’ll focus on assisting about 50 individuals, but as more trainees complete their training and join our clinic, we plan to expand significantly. Our goal is to continuously assess community needs, ensuring we can adapt our services accordingly. By streamlining our processes and maximizing our resources, we aim to support a larger number of individuals over time.
Editor: For those interested in registering for this program,could you share the steps they need to follow?
Daniel Sousa: Absolutely.interested individuals can start by completing an online registration form available on our website. This will lead to an initial consultation where we assess their specific needs. This step is crucial as it allows us to match them with the appropriate psychologist or trainee who can best meet those needs.
Editor: Given the importance of mental health awareness, what advice would you give to individuals who might be hesitant to seek support?
Daniel Sousa: It’s essential to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health challenges are common,and reaching out for support can be a transformative step. We encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed,whether due to anxiety,depression,or life transitions,to consider professional help. Our program offers a stigma-free environment where individuals can find the support they need at an affordable cost. They are not alone, and ther are resources available to help them navigate their challenges.
Editor: Lastly, with mental health services evolving globally, how do you see the future of mental health care in Lisbon?
Daniel Sousa: I believe we are moving towards a more inclusive and accessible model of mental health care. Initiatives like ours at ISPA Clinic represent just one element in a broader shift towards integrating mental health services into communities. With increasing awareness, advocacy, and accessibility, I am hopeful that we can provide complete support that meets the diverse needs of our population. Together, we can foster a culture that prioritizes mental well-being.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights,Daniel. It’s encouraging to see such proactive steps being taken to enhance mental health services in Lisbon.
Daniel Sousa: Thank you for having me; I appreciate the chance to discuss this important topic.