Abstract
This study examines the relationship between mental health and integration by analysing public health policies and practices addressing migrants’ access to mental health services in Emilia-Romagna, one of the Italian regions with the highest proportion of foreign residents. Mental health is approached not only as an individual condition but as a key indicator of inclusion and social participation. Using a mixed-methods design, the research combines the analysis of aggregated data from regional and local health reports with qualitative interviews with migrants and mental health professionals. Quantitative evidence highlights trends and changes in service utilization over time, revealing differences across territories and groups. These findings are interpreted in light of regional programs such as Emilia-Romagna Plurale, Equa, Inclusiva, ICARE, and START-ER, which aim to strengthen accessibility, cultural competence, and intersectoral collaboration in mental health care. The qualitative component deepens this analysis by exploring perceived barriers and facilitators in accessing services, with particular attention to linguistic, cultural, and institutional dimensions. Together, the results show how policy frameworks and local practices interact to shape migrants’ pathways to care and to integration. Framed within the theme Public Health Policies and Practices, this research contributes to understanding how regional health systems can translate policy principles into effective, inclusive, and culturally responsive mental health interventions that foster equity and social cohesion.
Presenters
Alice MarchesiStudent, PhD, Economics and Management of Innovation and Sustainability, Università di Parma, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Health Policies and Practices
KEYWORDS
MENTAL HEALTH, MIGRANTS, INTEGRATION, PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY, ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
