Mental Health in Healthcare: Challenges and Perspectives from the Past to the Future
A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 144
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet it remains a critical and multifaceted challenge within the healthcare sector. This Special Issue seeks to address not only the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals but also the quality of mental health care they provide to patients and their families. The stressors faced by healthcare professionals—ranging from high-stakes environments and resource shortages to ethical dilemmas—impact both their well-being and the support they are able to offer to those under their care.
Equally important is the experience of patients and families, who navigate emotional strain alongside medical challenges. Understanding how mental health care is integrated into clinical settings, the effectiveness of psychological interventions, and the role of empathy and communication in treatment outcomes is crucial to improving overall health systems.
This Special Issue invites interdisciplinary research that explores these dual dimensions—how to protect and enhance the mental health of healthcare professionals while also innovating the mental health care they deliver. Topics of interest include resilience-building for professionals, organizational strategies for supporting mental health, approaches to family-centered care, and technologies that improve mental health service delivery. Submissions with practical and systemic implications are particularly welcome.
Dr. Érika Oliveira-Cardoso
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- mental health in healthcare
- burnout and stress in healthcare professionals
- resilience strategies
- mental health care for patients and families
- family-centered psychological care
- organizational culture and well-being
- evidence-based mental health interventions
- technology and innovation in mental health services
- communication and empathy in healthcare
- integrated mental health systems
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