High-Demand Psychology Service: A Model Proposed by the Baruta Municipality Caracas, Venezuela

Abstract

This paper aims to propose a care model for high-demand psychology services, grounded in prevention and public health. It outlines the fundamental pillars of the model, which begins with an analysis of demand in psychosocial terms and includes response strategies for different types of users: municipal employees, residents of the municipality, and approximately 55% of users who reside in other municipalities within Greater Caracas. The model is based on the experience of the Psychology Service of the Baruta Municipality, located in Miranda State. The paper provides a general overview of the approach to mental health from a public health perspective, followed by a description of how the service operates, its objectives, and its psychosocial care strategies. These are aligned with principles from cognitive behavioral therapy, brief psychotherapy, and community clinical psychology, and include care modalities and key social programs. The intention is to encourage discussion around new approaches and training for psychologists to effectively respond to high demand in a primary care setting at the municipal level—one that integrates the well-being and mental health of both workers and citizens, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).