There is increasing realization of the magnitude of the disease burden attributable to mental,
neurological and substance use disorders globally. This impact is disproportionately distributed, with
slightly more than two thirds of this burden being situated within low and middle income countries.
Furthermore, in both developed and developing countries, a significant treatment gap exists, but is
greater in developing countries. Disparities in available financial and human resources for the provision
of mental health services also exist, both across and within countries and regions of the world.
Despite this evidence, and the calls for urgent reform of mental health services globally, several key
barriers continue to hinder progress. These include reduced access to services, inequalities in resource
distribution, and stigma and discrimination. A ‘balanced model of care’ that takes into cognizance, the
available resources and context; advances a task sharing approach and recommends the increased
utilization of community mental health services, is a pragmatic approach that can help to surmount these
barriers. Additional drivers of change, that can enhance the implementation of this approach are also
presented and discussed.