Building on the momentum of the Poland Country Profile and Denmark Country Profile, the Rethinking Schizophrenia initiative now turns its focus to Germany, examining how national policy can support more integrated, person-centred schizophrenia care.

The Germany Country Profile builds on discussions from a Germany-focused webinar held on 4 March 2026, organised by the European Brain Council and the German Brain Council together with the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Universities of Munich and Lübeck. Titled “AI-supported prediction and intervention: A comprehensive approach to integrated biopsychosocial schizophrenia care”, the event brought together clinicians, researchers, policymakers, patient advocates, and mental health organisations to examine current developments and challenges in schizophrenia prevention and care in Germany.

The programme explored topics including AI-supported early detection, translational research, innovative care models, lifestyle interventions, and the perspectives of families and caregivers, followed by a roundtable discussion on future directions for schizophrenia care within a broader European brain health framework.

About Schizophrenia Care in Germany

Germany has a strong foundation for schizophrenia care, supported by high investment in mental health services, well-established clinical guidelines, and longstanding expertise in early psychosis intervention. Recent initiatives in precision psychiatry, artificial intelligence-supported risk prediction, digital mental health interventions, and community-based care models demonstrate the country’s continued commitment to innovation and evidence-based care.

At the same time, the report identifies several persistent challenges. Fragmented healthcare structures across the federal states continue to contribute to unequal access to services, delays in treatment, and difficulties navigating care pathways. Limited access to psychotherapy, insufficient community-based support, stigma, workforce shortages, and gaps in continuity of care, particularly during transitions from youth to adult services, remain significant barriers for people living with schizophrenia and their families.

Key priorities of the German recommendations

• Strengthening nationwide early psychosis intervention services
• Shortening the duration of untreated psychosis through earlier detection and prevention
• Expanding multidisciplinary and community-based care pathways
• Improving implementation of research and innovation into routine care
• Strengthening the use of digital and AI-supported mental health approaches
• Promoting anti-stigma initiatives and recovery-oriented support
• Improving continuity of care during transitions between youth and adult services

Explore the full Germany Country Profile to learn more about the country’s policy landscape, emerging opportunities, and recommendations for strengthening schizophrenia prevention and care. (A German translation will follow in the coming weeks.)

Introduction 

Following the recommendations set out in the Rethinking Schizophrenia Care Pathway in Europe study paper, the next phase of the project — Country Profiles: Beyond Mental Health – A Brain Health Approach to Schizophrenia Prevention and Care — focuses on analysing country-specific models of care and identifying opportunities to improve prevention, early detection and integrated care across Europe. After a roundtable meeting in Poland in June 2025 and a webinar exploring the Danish context in December 2025, the project continued with a dedicated Germany-focused webinar on 4 March 2026. The event was organised by the European Brain Council (EBC) and the German Brain Council, together with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University of Munich and the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University of Lübeck. The webinar, titled "AI-supported prediction and intervention: A comprehensive approach to integrated biopsychosocial schizophrenia care", brought together clinicians, researchers, policymakers, patient advocates and representatives from mental health organisations to discuss current developments and challenges in schizophrenia prevention and care in Germany. The programme featured presentations covering AI-supported early detection, translational research linking genetics to brain function, innovative care delivery models such as inpatient-equivalent home treatment, lifestyle interventions, and the perspective of families and caregivers. These contributions were followed by a roundtable discussion on future directions for improving schizophrenia care within a broader European brain health framework. 

Opening address by Prof. Peter Falkai

In his opening remarks, Prof. Peter Falkai (Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Munich) welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of advancing schizophrenia care through a comprehensive brain health approach that integrates prevention, early detection and long-term recovery support. He highlighted that schizophrenia remains one of the most complex psychiatric disorders, often emerging in adolescence or early adulthood and requiring coordinated action across healthcare, social and community services. 

Prof. Falkai also stressed the importance of combining scientific innovation with system-level transformation, noting that advances in digital technologies, neuroscience and personalised medicine offer new opportunities to improve early identification and treatment outcomes. He underlined that initiatives such as the Rethinking Schizophrenia project provide a valuable platform to translate scientific progress into improved care pathways and policy development across Europe.

The Rethinking Schizophrenia Project – European perspective by Prof. Pavel Mohr

Prof. Mohr (National Institute of Mental Health, Prague) introduced the Rethinking Schizophrenia project, which evaluates schizophrenia care models across nine European countries. The initiative aims to identify systemic gaps, assess outcomes and propose strategies to strengthen integrated care pathways across Europe. 

The study involved a survey of more than 200 mental health professionals, assessing access to services, care continuity and recovery outcomes. The findings highlight significant challenges across Europe. More than half of respondents considered national schizophrenia care systems inadequate, while many reported limited access to community mental health services. Early detection services were available in less than half of the cases reported.  The study also highlighted barriers affecting recovery and long-term care, including lack of social support, negative symptoms and cognitive impairment. Fragmented services and delayed recognition of symptoms were identified as factors that prolong pathways to care. 

The project proposes eight strategic action areas, including strengthening early detection programmes, expanding psychosocial interventions, improving workforce capacity and investing in research and data-driven decision-making.

AI-supported early detection and intervention by Prof. Nikolaos Koutsouleris and Dr. Léon Franzen

Prof. Nikolaos Koutsouleris (Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich) presented advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence for early detection of psychosis. His research focuses on integrating large multimodal datasets, including clinical information, neuroimaging, genetic data and cognitive assessments, to improve the prediction of psychosis risk. AI-based models can identify patterns that are not detectable through traditional clinical assessment alone, enabling clinicians to stratify individuals according to risk levels and personalise preventive interventions. This approach has the potential to support earlier diagnosis and reduce the transition from high-risk states to full psychotic disorders. 

Prof. Koutsouleris emphasised that while these technologies show significant promise, their successful implementation requires robust validation, ethical oversight and careful integration into clinical decision-making processes. 

Dr Léon Franzen (University of Lübeck) presented the PASTA project (Preterm-to-Adolescent Specifically Tailored Assessment), which aims to identify risk markers for psychiatric disorders during adolescence. By analysing clinical, biological and behavioural data, AI tools can support clinicians in detecting patterns that indicate increased risk of psychosis much earlier. 

Such approaches have the potential to improve risk stratification and enable preventive interventions earlier in the disease trajectory. Early identification of individuals at high risk could reduce the likelihood of progression to full psychosis and improve long-term functional outcomes. 

However, both speakers emphasised that predictive models must be carefully validated and integrated into clinical workflows in ways that support clinicians and protect patient rights.

From genetics to animal models: understanding disease mechanisms by Prof. Sabine Hölter-Koch

Prof. Hölter-Koch (Helmholtz Munich) presented research exploring how genetic findings can be translated into insights about brain function and psychiatric disease mechanisms. 

Schizophrenia is a highly complex disorder with both common genetic variants and rare mutations contributing to risk. Recent genomic studies have identified hundreds of associated loci but understanding how these genetic factors influence brain function remains a major scientific challenge. In genetics, an associated locus (plural: loci) refers to a specific location on a chromosome that has been statistically linked to a disease or trait through genetic studies. In schizophrenia research, large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of loci associated with increased risk of the disorder. These loci do not represent single “schizophrenia genes”; rather, they indicate regions of the genome where genetic variations contribute to disease susceptibility. Many of these loci influence biological processes such as synaptic signalling, neuronal development and neurotransmitter systems, helping researchers understand the complex biological mechanisms underlying schizophrenia. 

By combining genomic data with brain transcriptome mapping and animal models, researchers can better understand how disease-related genes affect neural circuits. Mouse models and behavioural phenotypes such as prepulse inhibition (PPI) provide valuable tools to study mechanisms relevant to schizophrenia. 

These approaches enable researchers to identify candidate genes and pathways involved in synaptic function and glutamatergic signalling, helping to bridge the gap between genetic discoveries and clinical applications. 

Inpatient-equivalent psychiatric care (StäB) by Prof. Andreas Bechdolf

Prof. Bechdolf (Charité/Vivantes Berlin) presented evidence on inpatient-equivalent home treatment (StäB), a model introduced in Germany through legislation in 2018. 

This approach allows hospital-based multidisciplinary teams to deliver intensive psychiatric treatment directly in a patient’s home environment. Daily visits and structured treatment protocols ensure that patients receive care equivalent to inpatient services while remaining in their familiar surroundings. 

Evidence from a multicentre cohort study comparing home treatment with traditional inpatient care found similar clinical outcomes across several indicators, including symptom severity, quality of life and employment integration. 

However, the home treatment model demonstrated higher patient satisfaction, greater involvement in decision-making and reduced reliance on hospital services over time. The model is increasingly implemented in Germany and represents an important step towards more recovery-oriented mental health care.

Lifestyle and exercise interventions by Prof. Rebekka Lencer

Prof. Lencer (University of Münster/University of Lübeck) highlighted the role of lifestyle interventions in schizophrenia treatment, particularly the benefits of physical activity. 

Medication remains an essential component of treatment, but pharmacological approaches alone are often insufficient. Many patients experience metabolic side effects from antipsychotic medication, and treatment adherence can be challenging. 

Exercise and lifestyle interventions can help to improve metabolic health, cognitive functioning and overall wellbeing. Physical activity has also been associated with structural changes in the brain, including improvements in hippocampal volume. 

However, barriers such as low motivation, negative symptoms and self-stigma can limit participation. To overcome these challenges, programmes should focus on individualised fitness plans, motivational support and peer engagement. 

Perspective of families and caregivers by Gabriele Glocker

The webinar also included an important perspective from families and caregivers. 

Gabriele Glocker (Federal Association of Relatives of Mentally Ill People (BApK)) highlighted several major challenges faced by families supporting individuals with schizophrenia in Germany. These include persistent stigma, fragmented welfare systems, and shortages of mental health professionals. 

Families often experience significant stress when patients refuse treatment due to lack of insight into their condition. In addition, gaps in coordination between hospital services and community care can make it difficult to ensure continuity of support after discharge. 

The presentation emphasised the need for greater involvement of families in care planning, stronger support structures for caregivers and reductions in stigmatization from clinicians.

Roundtable Discussion

The webinar concluded with a roundtable discussion moderated by Prof. Peter Falkai (University of Munich, European Brain Council), bringing together perspectives from clinical research, policy and patient advocacy. Participants included Prof. Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg (German Brain Council), Prof. Christoph Correll (Charité University Medicine Berlin), Bernhard Seidenath (Member of the Bavarian State Parliament), and Gabrielle Glocker (Federal Association of Relatives of Mentally Ill People – BApK).  

Prof. Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg highlighted the importance of linking advances in neuroscience and genetics with improvements in clinical care pathways. He emphasised that schizophrenia should be increasingly addressed within a broader brain health framework, where early identification, prevention and long-term functional recovery are central objectives. Strengthening collaboration between research institutions and health systems was identified as a key priority to ensure that scientific discoveries translate into real improvements for patients. 

Prof. Christoph Correll stressed the importance of early intervention and integrated treatment approaches, particularly during the early stages of psychosis. He noted that combining pharmacological treatment with psychosocial interventions, lifestyle approaches and digital tools can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Prof. Correll also highlighted the potential of data-driven and personalised medicine approaches, including AI-supported risk prediction, to support more targeted and preventive care strategies. 

From a policy perspective, Bernhard Seidenath, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament, underlined the need to strengthen mental health services and ensure sustainable investment in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. He emphasised that innovative care models—such as community-based services and home treatment approaches—should be further supported to improve accessibility and continuity of care. Mr. Seidenath also stressed the importance of reducing stigma and improving public awareness of schizophrenia. He pointed out that some German states have good care in place that other states could benefit from adopting. Representing the perspective of families and caregivers, Gabrielle Glocker reiterated the challenges faced by relatives supporting individuals living with schizophrenia. She highlighted the need for greater involvement of families in care planning, improved coordination between hospital and community services, and stronger support structures for caregivers. Addressing stigma and improving access to information and support were identified as key priorities for improving outcomes and quality of life for patients and their families. 

Overall, the roundtable discussion emphasised the need for greater integration across research, clinical practice, policy and lived experience. Participants agreed that strengthening early detection, improving continuity of care and promoting recovery-oriented services are essential steps toward a more comprehensive and effective approach to schizophrenia prevention and care in Germany and across Europe. 

The discussion reinforced the value of approaching schizophrenia within a broader brain health framework, which recognises the interconnected nature of neurological and psychiatric disorders and promotes prevention across the lifespan.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Prof. Peter Falkai and Frédéric Destrebecq (Executive Director, European Brain Council) closed the meeting. The Germany webinar represents an important milestone in the Country Profiles phase of the Rethinking Schizophrenia project. By bringing together diverse perspectives from research, clinical practice, policy and lived experience, the event provided valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of schizophrenia care in Germany. 

Key themes emerging from the discussions include the importance of early detection, integrated biopsychosocial care, innovative service models and stronger support for families and caregivers. 

The insights generated through the Germany webinar will contribute to the broader European analysis of schizophrenia care pathways and inform future policy recommendations aimed at improving prevention, treatment and recovery outcomes across Europe.

Following our successful Poland Country Profile launch in June 2025, we are pleased to release the second instalment in the Rethinking Schizophrenia Country Profiles series: This time for Denmark.

On 8 December 2025, the Danish Brain Council and the European Brain Council convened a webinar titled “A Comprehensive, High-Quality Approach to the Treatment of Schizophrenia in Adolescents and Young Adults“, bringing together experts to discuss Denmark’s progress in implementing comprehensive care pathways for schizophrenia. The webinar highlighted country-specific findings barriers, and best practices in delivering youth-focused mental health care.

About Schizophrenia Care in Denmark:

Denmark’s recent governmental initiatives represent significant progress toward comprehensive schizophrenia care. New measures will ensure early intervention services are available for all age groups nationwide, supported by national treatment guidelines and quality databases. The Danish model emphasises early detection, evidence-based treatments, and integrated care across the life course. While challenges remain—including treatment gaps for young people, regional access disparities and persistent stigma—Denmark’s 10-year action plan for mental health care demonstrates ambitious commitment to raising psychiatric care to the same standards as cancer treatment. As Denmark concluded its 2025 EU Council Presidency, its advances in early intervention and coordinated care positioned it as a valuable contributor to shaping European brain health policy.

Explore the full Denmark Country Profile to learn more about policy priorities, emerging opportunities and recommendations for advancing schizophrenia care across Europe. (The Danish translation will follow in the coming weeks).

In 2022, the Danish Health Authority presented comprehensive recommendations for a 10-year action plan for strengthening mental health care. In this document, five key challenges were identified:

• Insufficient service availability, capacity, coordination and cooperation
• Insufficient quality and interdisciplinarity in existing mental health and social care services
• Inadequate prevention and early interventions
• Stigmatisation, lack of prioritisation and equity
• Inadequate research, professional development and lack of prestige

Key priorities of the Danish recommendations:

• Establishing easily accessible high-quality services in the municipalities for children and young people with mental health conditions
• Strengthened treatment and care for people with severe mental disorders
• Anti-stigmatisation of mental disorders
• Strengthened multidisciplinary and professional environments
• Further research and development in Psychiatry

Introduction 

Following the recommendations set out in the Rethinking Schizophrenia Care Pathway in Europe study paper, the next phase of the project — Country Profiles: Beyond Mental Health – A Brain Health Approach to Schizophrenia Prevention and Care — will focus on an in-depth analysis of country-specific models of care. After a roundtable meeting in Poland on 5 June 2025, we are now moving forward with Denmark. On 8 December 2025, the European Brain Council (EBC) and the Danish Psychiatric Association together with the Danish Brain Council organised a webinar titled "A Comprehensive, High-Quality Approach to the Treatment of Schizophrenia in Adolescents and Young Adults". This webinar gathered key stakeholders from healthcare, social, education, employment, research and patient organisations. The event provided an opportunity to hear perspectives that combine evidence and life experience but also to discuss innovative strategies for improved schizophrenia prevention and care in Denmark, within a broader European brain health framework.  

Key Takeaways 

• Strong early-intervention infrastructure but capacity gaps remain. Denmark has nationwide OPUS early-intervention services with evidence of improved symptoms, functioning and cost-effectiveness, yet teams cover only ~70% of incident cases and there is a marked drop in service intensity after two years.
• Major unmet needs in psychosocial functioning, comorbidities and physical health. People with schizophrenia face low psychosocial functioning, cognitive impairment, substance use, homelessness and excess mortality, and they receive poorer quality somatic care than people without schizophrenia.
• Ambitious 10-year national plan and major funding increase. Denmark has agreed a cross-party, 10-year psychiatry plan with mental health spending at ~6.8% of the health budget, aiming for parity of quality with cancer care and focusing on access, coordination, equity, research and anti-stigma efforts.
• Comprehensive, life-course and community-oriented service mix. The system combines early-intervention teams, flexible assertive community treatment, individual supported employment, Housing First, supported accommodation, acute outreach, caregiver psychoeducation and preventive initiatives such as headspace (a youth mental health service offering free and anonymous counselling to young people aged 12–25) and high-risk family studies.
• Brain-health and European leadership perspective. Denmark explicitly frames schizophrenia policy within a broader brain-health agenda and, as EU Council Presidency holder in the second semester of 2025, positions its coordinated, data-driven model of schizophrenia care as a reference point for European mental- and brain-health policy dialogue.

Welcome & Opening Remarks 

The webinar was opened by Prof. Suzanne Dickson, President, European Brain Council, Prof. Morten Lorenzen, Vice Chair, Danish Brain Council and Dr Jennifer Hall, Technical Officer – Mental Health, WHO Athens Quality of Care Office & WHO EURO Mental Health Flagship. Suzanne highlighted that the webinar aims to present Denmark Country Profile-specific findings and youth-focused policy recommendations to improve comprehensive, high-quality schizophrenia care through early detection, access to innovative pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, integrated models and digital tools within a brain-health, biopsychosocial framework. Morten referred to a recent Lancet study 1 and highlighted recent figures on the occurrence, mortality, and economic burden of brain disorders in Denmark. They stressed the urgent need—both in Denmark and across Europe—for coordinated, science-based approaches to brain disorders, with strong early intervention, research, patient and family involvement, and better translation of evidence into practice and policy. 

Dr Jennifer Hall presented the new WHO report “Child and Youth Mental health in the WHO European Region”. Jennifer explained that WHO data show a sharply rising prevalence of mental health conditions among children and adolescents in the region—especially anxiety in 15–19-year-olds—alongside persistently high suicide as a leading cause of death and a very uneven, overall insufficient service response, with major gaps in policies, community-based services, school provision and workforce capacity. She then outlined nine co-developed actions to strengthen quality of care, centred on stronger governance and multisectoral plans, quality standards and continuous improvement, innovative and co-designed service models, meaningful participation of young people and families, workforce development, and better data and research—highlighting clear synergies with the Rethinking Schizophrenia project. 

Keynote Address 1: The Rethinking Schizophrenia Project 

The first keynote presentation set the scene of the webinar. Prof. Pavel Mohr, National Institute of Mental Health, Prague presented the Phase II “Rethinking Schizophrenia” study, which surveyed over 200 mostly experienced mental health professionals in nine European countries to map youth psychosis care pathways and found major gaps: limited access to early detection and early intervention services, discontinuity of care, fragmented outpatient follow-up, and persistent stigma despite existing anti-stigma initiatives. Based on the results and the data, a clinal model was designed “Pathways to care from FEP to long-term care, integrating the new treatment paradigm with psychosocial interventions and the support of innovative technologies”. Pavel Mohr indicated that duration of untreated psychosis is an important predictor for a long-term outcome. This is also part of the Rethinking Schizophrenia initiative aiming to reduce duration of untreated illness. He explained that the project produced eight key recommendations, including scaling early psychosis programmes, ensuring equitable access to innovative pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, strengthening coordinated multidisciplinary and recovery-oriented care, addressing physical health and social determinants, building workforce capacity, and promoting data-driven, research-informed policy and practice. A paper with the results of the survey was just submitted for publication. 

Keynote Address 2: Schizophrenia Care Pathways in Denmark

Prof. Merete Nordentoft, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark presented a brief version of the Rethinking Schizophrenia Country Profile for Denmark. Merete explained that Denmark is in a unique position because all political parties agreed on a historic psychiatry investment—around a 35% budget increase—built on strong epidemiological evidence of high mental-illness burden, coordinated advocacy through the "psychiatry alliance," and a clear national plan with 37 recommendations. She highlighted that Denmark already has nationwide early intervention services (OPUS), FACT teams and specialised outreach, with robust trial and health-economic data showing that early psychosis intervention is clinically effective, reduces hospitalisation and mortality, and is overall cheaper and better for young people. She also presented other key pillars of the new plan, including scaling IPS supported employment, Housing First for homeless people, a 24/7 professional helpline and psychiatric emergency outreach, positioning the Danish model as a potential inspiration for other countries. The Country Profile for Denmark will be released soon.  

Panel Discussion

Merete moderated a panel consisting of Vicky Sebald from the Opus panel, giving the patient perspective to all this, Prof. Anna-Katrine Pagsberg from the Child and at Adolescent Psychiatry and Didi Lamas-Vernal, Psychologist and Associate Professor. Unfortunately, Merete excused Jane Alroe-Soerensen from the patient organization Better Psychiatry.

Anne-Kathrine Pagsberg stressed that one of the most serious gaps is the transition at age 18 from child and adolescent to adult services, which often disrupts continuity of care, and she highlighted ongoing efforts to develop youth-focused early intervention models similar to OPUS and to improve European collaboration on psychopharmacology and innovative treatments (e.g. TMS, a brain-stimulation treatment that doesn’t require surgery, and that might offer an alternative or complement to medication for some patients) for young people. Vicky Sebald, speaking from lived experience, emphasised diagnostic delays, the gap between intensive OPUS care and standard adult services, and the challenge of building trust in psychiatry for people with schizophrenia, while warmly welcoming youth-tailored, digital and peer-based supports (VR tools, apps, online groups) that make care more accessible and relatable. Ditte Lammers Vernal underlined the huge mortality gap and insufficient attention to physical health in schizophrenia, called for broader access to evidence-based psychotherapies (including VR-based voice dialogue) and expressed pride in OPUS and the integration of peer workers, while warning that workforce shortages and pressure must not crowd out research, education and a sustainable work environment.

Merete Nordentoft highlighted the strengths of the Danish system—OPUS, the Opus panel for destigmatisation, a tax-financed healthcare system and national quality registries—and welcomed the 10-year psychiatry plan’s focus on dual diagnosis, homeless and marginalized groups, excess mortality reduction and recovery, while recognizing that restoring trust (among patients, families and professionals) remains crucial. Suzanne Dickson added a European perspective, warning about the lack of innovation and access to new brain medicines in Europe compared with cancer, and called for stronger lobbying, research funding and regulatory action, to which Merete responded by agreeing on the need for better psychotropic drugs and stricter, evidence-based standards for managing side effects and improving psychopharmacological care.

The panel was followed by a questions and answers session during which Suzanne Dickson argued that the very broad use of the term mental health disorders—from mild anxiety to severe illnesses—risks overstretching already limited psychiatric resources and obscuring the fact that conditions like schizophrenia are major brain disorders that require intensive, specialized care. Pavel Mohr agreed and linked this to the emerging brain health agenda, explaining that psychiatry and neurology jointly need to refocus on brain disorders themselves, while learning from countries like Denmark that have secured substantial investment and built comprehensive early-intervention systems. Merete Nordentoft finally emphasised the high burden and economic cost of schizophrenia (including large losses in working years), noting that, in Denmark, disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety rank among the top contributors to disease burden and productivity loss, though exact figures will vary by country and context.

Concluding Words 

Suzanne Dickson concluded that the webinar had clearly shown both the urgency and the opportunity in youth-focused schizophrenia care: WHO data point to rising mental health needs in young people, while the Rethinking Schizophrenia project and the Danish experience highlight strong evidence for early detection, integrated care pathways, innovative treatments (including digital tools and TMS), and programmes like OPUS that improve outcomes and can even reduce costs. She stressed key gaps such as the transition from child to adult services, the 15-year mortality gap, limited access to effective pharmacotherapies, and called for a paradigm shift in schizophrenia care, backed by stronger advocacy, research and regulatory action in Europe.

Vinciane Quoidbach, Research Project Manager, European Brain Council closed by explaining that the country profiles (Poland, Denmark, next Germany) serve as a “reality check” to confront survey data with on-the-ground systems, showing the urgent need for upstream, personalised, biopsychosocial care pathways, cross-sector coordination, and policies that embed brain health in national strategies. She underscored that a multi-stakeholder, brain-health–oriented approach is essential to drive systemic reform in schizophrenia care, and while thanking all the speakers and participants, outlined next steps: the next webinar that will take place on 4 March 2026, presentations at major congresses, and the forthcoming scientific publication (European Journal of Psychiatry).

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As a follow-up to the recommendations outlined in the European Brain Council’s (EBC) Rethinking Schizophrenia Care Pathway in Europe Study Paper, the third phase of the Rethinking schizophrenia project takes a closer look at how mental health care — particularly schizophrenia treatment — is currently delivered at the national level. This phase focuses on identifying key challenges and exploring future directions for improvement. Poland, Denmark, and Germany were chosen to develop the first set of Country Profiles, based on strategic, geographic, and policy factors such as upcoming EU Presidencies, the strengths of their health systems, and potential for meaningful policy dialogue.

In preparation for the roundtable in Warsaw on 5 June 2025 — which focused on improving quality care in child and adolescent mental health, with particular attention to brain health and schizophrenia — a comprehensive Country Profile for Poland was developed. This profile was created using a validated template and incorporates the most relevant national data along with insights from local experts.

Poland is undergoing a major transformation in how mental health care is structured and delivered, especially for young people and those living with serious conditions like schizophrenia. Guided by key national strategies — including the National Mental Health Protection Programme (2023–2030) and Healthy Future (2021–2027) — the country has made meaningful progress in improving access to care, reducing stigma, and promoting integrated, community-based support. One of the most significant steps forward has been the introduction of a three-tier system for child and adolescent psychiatry, along with the expansion of Mental Health Centres (MHCs). These developments are helping to ensure earlier intervention, better continuity of care, and more patient-centred services.

Poland is undergoing a critical reform of its mental health system, aiming to transition from hospital-based care to a modern, community-oriented model. This transformation aligns with EBC’s call to rethink schizophrenia care through the lens of brain health – prioritising early detection, integrated care, cross-sector coordination, and youth-focused prevention.

Introduction 

On 5 June 2025, the European Brain Council (EBC) and the Mental Health Power Foundation organised a roundtable titled “Beyond Mental Health – A Brain Health Approach to Schizophrenia Prevention and Care” in Warsaw. Held under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Polish Psychiatric Association, this high-level roundtable gathered key stakeholders from healthcare, education, social policy, research and patient organisations. The event provided an opportunity to discuss innovative strategies for improved schizophrenia prevention and care in Poland, within a broader European brain health framework. 

Key Takeaways 

• Shift to Prevention: Move from crisis-based to prevention-oriented care models. 

• Enhance Integration: Improve coordination across education, health and social services. 

• Empower Youth and Families: Strengthen peer-support and family involvement. 

• Invest in Digital and Research Tools: Leverage technology responsibly and promote translational brain health research. 

• EU Leadership: Position Poland’s reforms as a model within broader EU brain health strategies. 

Welcome & Opening Remarks 

The roundtable was officially opened by representatives from EBC, the Polish Ministries of Health and Education, the Medical University of Warsaw and a video address from MEP Adam Jarubas (Poland, EPP), Chair of the Public Health Committee of the European Parliament. Speakers highlighted the urgent need for systemic reform in mental health services, with a particular emphasis placed on youth mental health. The opening remarks stressed the importance of shifting from a fragmented and crisis-driven care to early, integrated and preventive approaches rooted in a brain health perspective. 

Keynote Addresses 

Two keynote presentations set the scene of the roundtable. Prof. Dominika Dudek started by providing an overview of the current state of child and adolescent psychiatry services in Poland, underlining the gaps in access, funding and multidisciplinary care. Prof. Małgorzata Janas-Kozik then advocated for the adoption of a brain health approach to schizophrenia care, stressing the need to promote early detection and continuous care to prevent long-term disability. 

Session 1: Setting the Scene – The State of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Poland 

The first panel highlighted serious structural challenges in the Polish schizophrenia care pathways, from unequal access to child and adolescent mental health services to the lack of trained personnel in schools, by fragmented coordination between healthcare and education systems. Parents and caregivers emphasised the importance of including families in care planning, while patient representatives called for better support to community-based initiatives and peer-led programs. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Prevention and early intervention remain insufficiently developed in Poland’s healthcare system. 

• There is a strong need to address stigma and improve mental health literacy among families and educators. 

• Schools should play a central role in detecting early warning signs but are currently under-resourced. 

Session 2: Barriers and Opportunities in Youth-Focused Integrated Care 

The second session focused on improving the continuity of care and addressing social determinants of health. Panelists agreed that siloed systems and bureaucratic barriers hinder coordinated care. Suggestions included the expansion of peer-support networks, improving digital health literacy and intersectoral communication, particularly between the education, health and social care sectors. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Early intervention programs must extend beyond healthcare to include schools and families. 

• There is an urgent need for a unified electronic system to track patient pathways across sectors. 

• Digital tools, when used responsibly, could empower youth and promote mental health self-management. 

Session 3: From Research to Policy – Building a Brain Health Framework for Schizophrenia Prevention 

This final session examined how scientific insights can guide policy reform. Experts stressed that schizophrenia prevention should not be limited to psychiatry but integrated into broader brain health strategies, including neurology and public health. The importance of EU-wide coordination, data sharing and research funding was underlined, alongside the need for ethical guidelines regarding AI and digital health technologies in psychiatry. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Brain health should be recognised as a lifelong continuum, with schizophrenia prevention starting early in life. 

• Multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration is essential to success. 

• Lessons from Poland could inform future EU and international policies on mental health and brain disorders. 

Closing Reflections and Next Steps 

In their closing remarks, representatives of EBC and the Polish Psychiatric Association commended the roundtable for its forward-looking discussions, which will play an instrumental role in informing the conclusions of the 3rd phase of the Rethinking Schizophrenia project. The need for continuous stakeholder engagement, monitoring of reform outcomes and knowledge exchange between EU Member States was emphasised. 

On the occasion of Mental Health Week, starting on May 19, 2025, Dr. András Kulja, MEP, Vice Chair of ENVI, and SANT Vice Coordinator, together with MEP Zoltán Tarr, Head of Delegation, and CULT Vice-Coordinator, will host a two-day summit dedicated to mental health and recovery in modern society. Following the SANT Committee’s mission to Ukraine on the topic of mental health, MEPs will report back to the European Parliament to share their experiences and insights from the field.

Prevention and Recovery in Modern Society

The summit will bring together policymakers, mental health professionals, cultural leaders, and civil society organisations to explore how mental health challenges can be addressed in a rapidly changing and crisis-affected world. It will particularly emphasise support for vulnerable populations, trauma-informed rebuilding, and the role of culture and the arts in mental health recovery.

The discussions will aim to contribute to the ongoing EU policy debate on mental health as a societal priority, following the Commission’s Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health. A key outcome of the summit will be a renewed call for a dedicated EU Mental Health Action Plan, with a specific focus on youth. 

The first day of the summit (May 19) will focus on the mental health impact of war and crisis, addressing support for at-risk populations and strategies for resilience and trauma-informed rebuilding. The second day (May 20) will explore preventive measures, the role of cultural activities in mental well-being, and sex-specific mental health concerns, particularly focusing on women’s mental health. 

Key MEPs from the SANT, CULT, and FEMM and HOUS Committees will join the discussions.  Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi (Health and Animal Welfare) is invited to deliver a keynote speech on the opening panel on Monday 19 (tbc). Commissioner Glenn Micallef (Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport) will deliver a keynote speech on May 20. The programme is co-curated with Culture Action Europe as part of the “CARE: Culture for Mental Health” project and is supported by the European Union and the European Cultural Foundation.

Evening reception

The summit will conclude with a closing reception, co-organised by MEP András Kulja, and The Parliament Magazine, emphasising the need for an EU Action Plan on Youth Mental Health. Focusing on cross-sector collaboration, policy innovation, and increased investment, the reception will underscore the importance of placing youth mental health at the forefront of the EU’s legislative agenda. Together, we will reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that young people across Europe have access to the support and resources they need to thrive.

EBC is pleased to be part of the closing reception where Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, will deliver a keynote speech on this occasion. You can register your interest for the closing reception here.