Spanish Families Fill Care Gap as Mental Health Support Remains Strained

Decades ago, Spain began moving away from institutionalized mental health care, shifting the responsibility from psychiatric centers to families. However, this change was rarely matched by the necessary support for those taking on caregiving roles. A recent report from the Tenerife-based association Afes Salud Mental highlights a significant "care gap," forcing families to organize their own support systems to prevent burnout and isolation.

For the past ten years, Afes has provided a vital psychological intervention project for the families of patients, filling a void left by the lack of public alternatives. The demand remains high: since it began, the program has helped over 2,200 people. The need is constant, with 169 consultations in 2025—72% of which were women—and 139 more so far in 2026. Persistent waiting lists confirm that current public resources are still not enough to meet the needs of these families.

The majority of those seeking help are women, often mothers, which underscores the ongoing gender gap in caregiving. Funded by the IASS Insular Ring of Social Policies, the Afes program focuses on three areas: psychoeducation to help families understand mental health conditions, peer support groups, and individual counseling. This approach is essential; as program managers note, a patient’s recovery is difficult if their family lacks the tools to manage the daily challenges and emotional strain of a diagnosis.

Sociologically, this situation puts caregivers at high risk for anxiety and depression, as they often neglect their own health to care for their loved ones. Early intervention is key to reducing this impact. By providing a space for families to share their experiences, Afes offers more than just therapy; it addresses a structural failure in the healthcare system by recognizing caregivers as a vital part of the recovery process, rather than invisible helpers.