ISCMC opens new mental health clinic and expands services through the Unified Health System (SUS)
UNIICA's new unit expands services and reduces waiting times for patients with mental health issues.
Managed by the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Curitiba Brotherhood, the new UNIICA unit expands services and reduces waiting times for patients with mental health issues.
Curitiba has taken another important step in the area of mental health with the inauguration of a new outpatient clinic of UNIICA (Integrated Crisis and Life Support Unit), in the Prado Velho neighborhood. The facility was delivered in early August 2025 and represents a significant expansion of the Unified Health System (SUS) care network.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mayor Eduardo Pimentel, the Municipal Secretary of Health, Tatiane Filipak, and representatives of... Brotherhood of the Holy House of Mercy of Curitiba, a long-standing partner of the city government in managing the unit.
Modern structure and increased capacity
The new outpatient clinic was installed on a completely renovated floor, offering greater comfort and dignity for both patients and healthcare professionals. The major difference is the increased capacity: before the renovation, the unit handled approximately 800 consultations per month.
Now, the number will increase to 4,6 appointments per month, with approximately 4 in psychology and 600 in psychiatry. This expansion means almost six times more available slots for the population seeking mental health support.
Waiting time reduction
One of the main bottlenecks in mental health care was the waiting time for an appointment. In previous years, the waiting list had exceeded three years, a situation that compromised the effectiveness of care.
With the increased capacity, the scenario has changed radically: currently, the waiting time is between one and two months, ensuring that patients have faster access to psychological and psychiatric care. This change directly impacts the quality of life of thousands of Curitiba residents who need specialized support.
Partnership between the city hall and the Santa Casa Brotherhood
The operation of UNIICA is the result of a partnership between the Municipality of Curitiba and the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Curitiba Brotherhood, which manages the unit. This collaboration reinforces the importance of philanthropic institutions in strengthening the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System) and expanding health services to the population.
During the inauguration, Secretary Tatiane Filipak highlighted Santa Casa's commitment to ensuring excellence and humane care. The head of the institution, Dom Frei Diamantino Prata de Carvalho, emphasized the importance of the union between public authorities and social entities in transforming the landscape of mental health.
Multidisciplinary and humanized care
UNIICA's new outpatient clinic was designed to offer multidisciplinary care, essential in the treatment of mental disorders. Psychologists and psychiatrists work in an integrated manner, ensuring comprehensive approaches for different patient profiles. Furthermore, the structure was designed to humanize care, with more welcoming and functional spaces, fundamental for recovery and emotional well-being.
The expansion also represents a reinforcement of public mental health policies, which are increasingly necessary given the growing demand. Recent data indicate that problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders have grown significantly, especially in the post-pandemic period.
Curitiba as a reference in mental health.
With the opening of the new outpatient clinic, Curitiba consolidates its position as a national benchmark in the structuring of public mental health services. UNIICA's model combines high service capacity, efficient management, and social commitment, serving as an example for other Brazilian capitals facing similar challenges.
In addition to increasing the availability of consultations, the initiative contributes to crisis prevention, reduces hospitalizations, and ensures that patients can count on continuous monitoring, preventing worsening of their clinical condition.
Social and community impact
The expansion of UNIICA is not limited to the number of consultations; it represents a structural change in community-based mental health care. Entire families will benefit from reduced waiting times and greater availability of psychological and psychiatric support.
Another positive impact is the reduction in costs for the healthcare system. Patients who receive prompt and appropriate care are less likely to require emergency hospitalizations or develop more serious complications, which represents savings for the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System) and greater well-being for the population.
Tradition and innovation side by side
The participation of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Curitiba Brotherhood reinforces the importance of traditional institutions in the implementation of innovative projects. By combining its long history of philanthropy and care with the modernization of structures, Santa Casa reaffirms its leading role in the health of the capital.
This balance between tradition and innovation ensures that the population of Curitiba is served with dignity and quality, strengthening the city's commitment to more effective public mental health policies.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the new mental health clinic in Prado Velho is a landmark for Curitiba. With expanded capacity, a significant reduction in waiting times, and multidisciplinary care, the project demonstrates how the union between the city government, the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System), and the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Brotherhood can transform the lives of the population.