The right to mental health in post-pandemic Spain: a legal reform and the integration of AI

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the need for comprehensive mental health care, particularly for Generation Z in Spain. Despite existing healthcare policies, the Spanish National Healthcare System (NHS) predominantly addresses severe mental disorders, often neglecting non-severe mental health conditions. This oversight forces individuals to seek private psychological help, which is not financially accessible for everyone, creating significant disparities in mental health care access and quality. This thesis explores the current limitations of Spain’s mental health care framework and proposes the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as a solution. AI has the potential to revolutionize mental health care by providing personalized education, preventive care, and assistance in diagnosis, thus addressing the gaps in the current system. The proposed AI solutions aim to make mental health care more accessible and equitable, reducing the burden on public health services and improving mental health outcomes. By advocating for a shift from viewing mental health care as a luxury to recognizing it as a basic human right, this research aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive mental health care system in Spain, ultimately improving the well-being of Generation Z and the broader population. KEYWORDS: Mental Health, Spanish National Healthcare System, Artificial Intelligence, Fundamental Right, Gen Z, Pandemic and Legal Framework