Strengthening the Relationship; A Digital and Educational Exchange Between Portuguese and Dutch Mental Health Care Associations
Jelle de Jong, Angela Busto Puertas, Monique Rook, Anne Wisman, Richard Mooren, Renata Benavente, Anneloes van den Broek
Background: European differences in Mental Healthcare systems (MHS) and European challenges
within MHS, like migration, climate change and lack of qualified professionals, require collaboration
between stakeholders from individual countries within the European Union.
Purpose: To exchange information between national and international associations and inspire Dutch
clinical psychologists in training.
Method: A digital event was organized and three renowned associations from both Portugal and The
Netherlands presented their organization and current developments. This input was used in a discussion
round where participants from both countries participated.
Conclusion: This event provided positive outcomes on multiple levels, including being educational
for specialists in training, building and maintaining the relationship between the professionals and
association of both countries and providing new and inspiring perspectives that can help mutual MHS.
The differences show the work that lies ahead, to create more European uniformity within MHS and to
further benefit from international collaboration.
