Mental health

In Baja California Sur, there is a need for greater service coverage related to mental health, including prevention and treatment, outpatient consulting, family counseling, and group and individual therapy.  The incidence of domestic violence in the region is alarmingly high (discussed more fully in the section on community development), as are cases of suicide and drug dependency where the only option for care is the psychiatric hospital in the municipality of La Paz, a long journey for much of the state.[1]

According to INEGI, the state registered the highest frequency of suicides in youth ages 18 to 25 on a per capita basis nationwide.[2]   Among men of all ages, Baja California Sur ranked sixth in the nation in suicides in 2003[3].  To combat this, the state initiated a telephone “hotline” in 2004 to provide suicide, drug, and domestic violence counseling.  Clearly, there is a need to create and expand institutions and civil organizations that serve those affected by psychological and physical ailments, as well as to address the causes of suicide and suicide attempts.