wellness

EstarB Drives 59% Surge in Barcelona Youth Mental Health Care

The municipal service for 12- to 25-year-olds has driven a major increase in support, with free helplines and new adult services rolling out in Ciutat Vella.

By Barceloneta Wellness Desk · Published 25 July 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. Barcelona Weather News is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

EstarB Drives 59% Surge in Barcelona Youth Mental Health Care — Photo by rabanito / flickr (by)

Since the launch of the EstarB municipal service in October 2025, youth mental health care in Barcelona has increased by 59%, according to city sources. The programme, which serves adolescents and young people aged 12 to 25, is part of a broader push to expand psychological support across the city, including in the Barceloneta neighbourhood.

EstarB and the rise in support

EstarB was designed to give young residents a dedicated entry point for mental health care. Sources from the Barcelona city council report that care figures have risen sharply since its introduction. The service coordinates with existing programmes such as Konsulta’m, which offers free, anonymous psychological support without appointments for those aged 12 to 22. A new Konsulta’m +22 service for adults is now rolling out across six districts, including Ciutat Vella, which covers Barceloneta.

Free helplines and WhatsApp support

For immediate help, the city operates a free, 24/7 suicide prevention helpline at 900 925 555. Young people can also access emotional support via the Xat Joves WhatsApp chat at 679 333 363. Both services are anonymous and do not require an appointment, making them accessible to residents of Barceloneta and beyond.

Who is most affected

According to the Barcelona Public Health Agency, nearly 20% of girls and 11.1% of boys in secondary schools are at risk of mental health problems, with indicators rising significantly since 2012. Poor mental health disproportionately affects women, teenagers, the most disadvantaged, and residents born in low-income countries. Risk factors such as poverty and loneliness have increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, sources note.

What happens next

The rollout of Konsulta’m +22 will continue across the city, extending free psychological support to adults in more neighbourhoods. Residents in Barceloneta and Ciutat Vella can already access the service. For anyone in need, the 24/7 helpline and WhatsApp chat remain available. City officials encourage those experiencing distress to reach out, emphasising that help is free and confidential.