Tenerife Council Moves to Launch Youth Mental Health Voucher Program

The mental health of young people has become a top priority for the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo de Tenerife), with officials reaching a consensus to explore a new psychological care voucher. Proposed by the Socialist Group, the plan aims to supplement the public health system by making therapy more accessible to young people who face financial or geographical barriers to care.

The initiative has received unanimous support from all political parties, though it is still in the early stages. Before moving forward, the Council must conduct a feasibility study to determine how the program will work, including eligibility criteria, budget requirements, the availability of specialists, and how to ensure coverage across all municipalities.

This move comes in response to concerning mental health statistics in the Canary Islands. According to the regional health service’s report on suicidal behavior, Tenerife recorded 96 suicides last year, with 457 deaths reported between 2020 and 2024. Additionally, more than 13% of islanders aged 16 to 29 have reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. While the suicide rate dropped slightly in 2024, officials emphasize that early intervention is critical.

Tamara Raya, Secretary-General of the Tenerife PSOE, stressed the importance of removing barriers that prevent young people from getting help early. The proposal suggests a flexible approach where the length of treatment is based on clinical needs rather than a fixed number of sessions. The plan also aims to coordinate with primary care, social services, and schools to ensure that high-risk cases receive an immediate response.

If the program is implemented, it will undergo a formal review after its first year to assess its effectiveness and ensure it is reaching the most vulnerable young people. For now, the focus remains on the technical study required to turn this proposal into a functional service.