COVID-19 and Mental Health in Urban and Rural Areas of Greece

Greece is currently in a relatively favorable position when compared to other countries in terms of cases and deaths caused by COVID-19. During the financial crisis, significant mental health issues arose and alternative types of mental health service provision were introduced. New forms of telemedicine services, such as telephone helplines targeting specific forms of psychopathology, were established. Nongovernmental organizations initiated projects based on social solidarity. Additionally, informal social networks and self-help groups became active in the mental health field, while volunteering in the community increased significantly. Another initiative launched in Greece in response to the pandemic has been organized by a university child and adolescent mental health service. The initiative operates at two levels and serves both Greece and Europe more broadly. At a local level, it targets foreign citizens based in both urban and rural areas of Greece, offering psychiatric support for children and adolescents through telemedicine. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)