Instituto Cactus is a non-profit philanthropic organization focused on mental health in Brazil. Our mission is to promote the discussion and care of mental health by advocating for prevention and supporting impactful projects. We are committed to amplifying the debate and understanding of mental health issues across the country.

One of our flagship initiatives is the Panorama da Saúde Mental (Mental Health Panorama). Developed in collaboration with AtlasIntel, it is a dynamic research tool that continuously monitors the mental health of Brazilians. This tool provides valuable insights and data to inform public policies and interventions.

In addition, we work closely with educational institutions to provide recommendations and guidance on mental health policies in schools. Through our collaboration with IEPS, we have launched a guidebook, 10 Actions for Mental Health Policies in Schools, which provides evidence-based recommendations to the Executive and Legislative branches. We also support projects that utilize data and indicators in public mental health.

Our partnership with Impulso. Gov focuses on utilizing data-driven approaches to improve mental health services. Furthermore, we have co-developed a mental health panel with Vital Strategies, which helps improve the management of municipal health services for children and adolescents.

This map of mental health resources aids in providing more targeted and effective care. To support the professional development of public sector professionals, we have collaborated with Vetor Brasil to create a mental health training program as part of the Jornada de Desenvolvimento de Profissionais Públicos (Journey of Public Sector Professionals). This program is designed for mid-level managers in various government departments and aims to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address mental health challenges.

At Instituto Cactus, we are dedicated to supporting structural changes in mental health and ensuring that mental health remains a central focus in Brazil. Our projects, initiatives, and advocacy efforts aim to create a positive impact on the mental well-being of all individuals