Social Work at the National Psychiatric Hospital, 1952-2022 70 Years of History and Evolving Mental Health

Abstract

In 1952, the social work trajectory began at the National Psychiatric Hospital. The organization’s involvement
dates back to its admission service, which is currently an emergency service. In this way, it launched a 70-year path through history, during which the National Psychiatric Hospital, today the National Hospital for Mental Health, has provided ongoing care for some of the most relevant issues in Costa Rica, and especially for those issues linked to mental health. This article refers to the most significant events throughout this process, in order to report on the important work that social work professionals have achieved in the area of mental health.