On June 2, the Ministry of Health took stock of Mental Health, a major national cause 2025 and outlined the outlook for 2026. Stéphanie Rist announced, among other things, a “skip the line” system for young people suffering from psychiatric disorders identified by National Education in order to obtain an appointment in less than 48 hours. She also declared that she wanted to put an end to restraint practices in psychiatric establishments by 2030.
“From the start of the 2026 school year, when a doctor, nurse, psychologist or social service assistant from National Education identifies a child or adolescent in a situation of mental suffering, they will be able to benefit from priority referral to a suitable structure in their territory thanks to an accelerated care system“, details a press release from the Ministry of Health.
When a student is in psychological suffering, in an emergency situation because he risks acting out (by harming himself or someone else), the teacher or the National Education health professional can call the Samu doctor (by dialing 15) to obtain an appointment with a psychologist, child psychiatrist or psychiatrist. “There will be an organization, in the territory, of health professionals among themselves which will make it possible to have an appointment within 24-48 hours”summarized Stéphanie Rist, without giving further details. “ When a risk of acting out or a vital danger is identified, families will be able to benefit from immediate support thanks to the Access to Care Service and emergency psychiatric channels.“, further specifies the press release from the ministry, which has set itself the objective “ that no child or adolescent identified as being in psychological suffering remains without a suitable solution or without an appointment within a time frame compatible with their state of health“. This measure “ is part of a broader ambition: to make the school one of the first places for prevention, identification and guidance in matters of mental health« .
This organization is based on “ reinforced cooperation between rectorates, regional health agencies and mental health stakeholders in order to reduce delays in accessing care and avoid disruptions in pathways« .
“Zero restraint” objective by 2030
France is also undertaking a profound transformation of psychiatric practices in order to strengthen the rights and dignity of the people concerned. The Government thus sets a collective objective of maximum reduction in the use of isolation and restraint with the prospect of achieving “zero restraint” by 2030.. The minister, questioned about this measure, also provided some details on this point on France Info. “ We know that this restraint is very traumatic, for families, for the patient himself and particularly for young patients. We must have this strong political will: to ensure that in our country there is no more contention in 2030« .
“One establishment in ten in France is committed to this zero contention, whether in Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon. There are countries, Norway, Spain, which have more than 90% reduction in their restraint”underlined Stéphanie Rist, highlighting foreign examples. The Minister of Health highlighted the need for a suitable number of professionals, suitable premises, and above all “ training of the entire team, from the nursing assistant to the doctor“, which “takes time”. The ambition is nevertheless firm, recalled the minister, because it is “ of human dignity« .
To support the government’s objective and advance psychiatry towards practices more respectful of the fundamental rights, autonomy and dignity of patients, several measures will be taken, announces the ministry:
• The realization of a national mapping of practices and initiatives making it possible to reduce the use of restraint;
• Strengthening continuing education for professionals managing tense situations, de-escalation and preventive measures;
• Support for the deployment of calming spaces within psychiatric hospitalization units;
• The deployment of the World Health Organization “QualityRights” programcombining training, analysis of practices and organizational transformation; This system aims to strengthen the capacities of institutions in terms of evaluating and improving the quality of care for people with psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities.
• And finally the definition of a national framework for peer assistance and anticipation measures in psychiatry in order to strengthen the place of the people concerned in their care journey.
Moreover
- a national map of mental health resources will be made available professionals, patients and their loved ones
- Adolescents’ homes will be reinforced with more local branches and extended hours
- The government will also continue the development of psychosocial skills at school, strengthen actions in favor of mental health at work, continue the plan to prevent unhappiness and suicide risk in agriculture and the deployment of agricultural sentinels.
- Work to protect minors from social networks will continue.
Finally, the government creates an interministerial delegation for mental health and psychiatry attached to the General Directorate of Health in order to sustainably include these issues in all public policies.
