First Phase of New Mental Health Center Opened in Nicosia

The first phase of the new Mental Health Center, located on the grounds of Athalassa Hospital, has been put into operation in Nicosia. The new complex is considered a significant step in the development of the psychiatric care system in Cyprus.

The first part of the project was opened in December 2024 with the participation of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Minister of Health. The project's cost exceeds €10 million. Construction was carried out by Cyfield, co-financed by the European Union through the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

As part of the first phase, two modern buildings meeting European standards were constructed. They house an acute psychiatric clinic and a therapeutic addiction treatment center.

The building for acute patients includes wards, common areas, and medical staff offices, while the second level features specialist offices and an electroconvulsive therapy department. The clinic provides 46 beds, with rooms designed for one or two patients, significantly improving conditions compared to the old facility where up to five people shared a room.

According to Dr. Anna Paradeisiotou, Director of Mental Health Services, the new premises create a more humane and safe environment for both patients and medical staff. The center also features common recreation areas, a dining hall, internal and external courtyards, and dedicated rooms for patients to meet with relatives.

Despite the infrastructure modernization, experts note that social attitudes toward mental illness remain a major challenge. Stigmatization continues to hinder people from seeking timely help and complicates the return to normal life after treatment.

On average, hospitalization at the clinic lasts about 30 days, after which most patients can return to daily life with proper treatment and support.

The second phase of the project has not yet been announced, but the new buildings already set the direction for the future development of psychiatric care in Cyprus.