Andorra's New Mental Health Chief Praises Team Amid High Demand

Joan Soler has led Andorra's Mental Health and Addictions Service (SAAS) for eight months, following Carlos Mur's departure and an interim period under Rosari Pérez. In his first in-depth comments on the role, Soler praised his team of around 50 staff—excluding nursing—for its motivation and cohesion, crediting improved agenda management with boosting monthly appointments to 3,500 at the new Ròdol facilities.

Demand remains high across adult, child-youth, and addictions units, with similar pressures in inpatient and outpatient care. Daily no-shows average 25, mainly for psychiatrists and psychologists, leaving patients on waiting lists. A test call during the interview secured a psychologist appointment for adults in four days; child-youth and addictions slots take slightly longer, but waits rarely exceed a month—far shorter than some specialties.

Soler attributed gains to better data analysis, supported by SAAS IT staff, and closer coordinator oversight. He noted shortages, with psychiatrists handling 500-600 patients each at low frequency, prompting discussions with leadership for additions in adult and child-youth areas. The Ròdol move consolidated teams, providing separate child spaces decorated with patient input, aligning with WHO quality rights standards encouraging user involvement.

In prisons, Soler introduced weekly hour-long meetings since six months ago, uniting SAAS psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, penitentiary staff, and social workers to discuss cases proactively. Previously limited to visits, this coordination aims to address complaints and prevent issues, with talks underway on specialised mental health training for guards.

Prevalent issues include self-harm, screen-related behaviours, and rising autism diagnoses in youth; alcohol dependency leads in addictions; depression and anxiety dominate adult care. Binge drinking episodes, like recent carnival urgencies, rarely reach clinics, unlike persistent conduct problems.

Soler linked mental health strains to family finances amid rising living costs, though not unique to Andorra. He stressed hiring highly qualified professionals and breaking stigma through socialisation between those with and without conditions. The health ministry's sensitivity to the issue, he added, benefits society.