Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Healthcare in Benue State: Opportunities and Challenges

Background: The integration of mental health services into primary care is recommended by the WHO as a strategy for addressing the large treatment gap in low-income countries. This study examines the opportunities and challenges of integrating mental health services into primary healthcare in Benue State, North Central geopolitical zone. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions with primary healthcare workers and in-depth interviews with state ministry of health officials. A total of 36 participants were enrolled. Thematic analysis using NVivo version 11 was applied. Results: Participants identified task-sharing with trained community health workers and integration into existing chronic disease clinics as key opportunities. Barriers included limited mental health training, stigma among healthcare workers, inadequate supply of psychotropic medications, and absence of a dedicated mental health budget at primary care level. Conclusion: Primary care integration of mental health in Benue State is feasible but requires sustained investment in workforce training, commodity supply, and policy commitment. Family medicine departments should serve as champions of mental health integration and develop training curricula adapted to local contexts. Keywords: mental health integration, primary healthcare, Benue State, task shifting, treatment gap