Reform of mental health care in Serbia: ten steps plus one.

Disastrous events in the country and the region caused a 13.5% increase in the prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders in Serbia in the last few years, thus making them the second largest public health problem. Due to prolonged adversities, the health system has deteriorated and is facing specific challenges. However, the reform of mental health care has been initiated, with a lot of positive movements such as the preparation of a national policy for mental health care and a law for protection of mentally ill individuals. The transformation of mental health services has started, with an accent on community care, antistigma campaigns and continuing education. Based on an assessment carried out by the National Committee on Mental Health, service provision, number of professionals working in services, funding arrangements, pathways into care, user/carer involvement and other specific issues are reported.