<b>Background: </b>Health is a social process that seeks physical and mental wellbeing through every stage of the individual&#8217;s life. In spite of great efforts, in Costa Rica the approach to mental health has focused on treatment and very little on prevention and promotion. This work summarizes the conclusions of the Mental Health Panel. <b>Methods: </b>A discussion forum on mental health with participation of health providers, researchers, policy makers and users of health services. <b>Results: </b>Representatives from 148 organizations and institutions participated. There is a lack of salutogenic indicators and minimal assessment of the impact of prevention and promotion of mental health. Only one program for psychosocial rehabilitation was identified. <b>Conclusion: </b>The discussion process included users, who, along with other actors identified needs and priority action areas. The difficulties related to the implementation of a specific action plan are the main barrier to achieve effective mental health promotion, treatment and rehabilitation. There are specific programs, but in the majority of cases, their effectiveness is unknown. It is necessary to establish a leading institution and strengthen its role to ensure the success of a national mental health program.

National Mental Health Program; Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social; nongovernmental organizations