The promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental and behavioral disorders: surely the time is right.

This article provides an overview of key issues related to promotion and prevention. It examines the increasing role mental disorders play in the global burden of disease, controversies surrounding constructs such as mental health and prevention, and the links among promotion, prevention, treatment and recovery. After discussing disorders often targeted for prevention, it enumerates principles for effective programs and examples of findings from evidence-based programs. It presents recommendations for the prevention science field and concludes with information about the worldwide response to the need for promotion and prevention services.