Mexico City, September 14, 2026 – The Government of Mexico City has officially opened the first Specialized Center for Mental Health and Psychoactive Substance Consumption for women in situations of gender violence. This pioneering initiative aims to provide crucial support to those affected, offering free and specialized care.
New Center Addresses Critical Need for Specialized Care
The new center, the first of its kind in the city, is situated within the “Siempre Vivas” Territorial Unit for Attention and Prevention of Gender Violence in the Azcapotzalco borough. It features three consultation rooms: two for psychology and one for social work. Personnel from the Institute for Mental Health and Addictions (IASAMA) will provide free services to women experiencing emotional distress or substance-related issues as a result of violence.
Daptnhe Cuevas, Secretary for Women, stated that the project emerged from diagnoses highlighting the lack of adequate alternatives for women whose emergencies were reported to the C5 emergency service or treated in toxicology departments, but who required more specialized services. “This center fills a critical gap in our support system for women,” Cuevas remarked.
Expansion Plans and Holistic Approach to Treatment
In a press release, it was announced that the mid-term goal is to replicate this model across the capital’s northern, southern, eastern, and western regions. This expansion aims to provide direct and rapid referral pathways for users of these territorial units, eliminating complex transfers and ensuring accessible care throughout the city.
Amaya Ordorika Imaz, Director of IASAMA, elaborated on the treatment approach, explaining that users can receive up to 40 sessions. The care provided is founded on four key pillars: a gender perspective, human rights, interculturality, and risk reduction. This comprehensive approach ensures that the support is tailored to the individual needs and experiences of each woman.
Operational Details and Services Offered
The center is located at Avenida 22 de Febrero 421, Colonia Barrio de San Marcos, Azcapotzalco. It will operate from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The services, provided by IASAMA staff, include:
- Individual psychological counseling
- Social work support
- Therapeutic interventions for emotional distress
- Support for issues related to psychoactive substance consumption
The establishment of this center marks a significant step forward in Mexico City’s efforts to combat gender violence and provide comprehensive support to its survivors. It underscores a commitment to addressing not only the immediate physical consequences of violence but also the profound mental and emotional impacts.
Impact on the Community and Future Outlook
This initiative is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of countless women in Mexico City, offering them a safe space to heal and rebuild. By integrating mental health and substance abuse support, the center addresses co-occurring issues that often arise from experiences of violence, providing a more holistic pathway to recovery.
The planned expansion of the model across the city demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring that specialized care is available to all women who need it, regardless of their location within the capital. This commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care is a testament to the city’s dedication to promoting the well-being and safety of its female residents.
The opening of this center is a beacon of hope for many, signaling a shift towards more empathetic and effective responses to gender-based violence. It is anticipated that this model will serve as a benchmark for similar initiatives in other regions, further strengthening the network of support for women survivors of violence.
