Abstract

This article explores the inclusion of mental health in poverty alleviation policies, both discursively and pragmatically, through an empirical qualitative case study in the Latin American context, specifically in Chile. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven high range government officials and forty policy documents related to the policy under study were reviewed. The analytical approach of the study was the policy framing analysis. Results showed a weak inclusion of mental health in the poverty alleviation policy and program under study, as well as a scarce problematization of the relationship between mental health and poverty. This is observed at the discursive and pragmatic levels, highlighting mental health and poverty-mental health framings, and also direct, indirect and neglected actions to address mental health. Finally, critical reflections on the absence of dialogue and collaboration with the health sector are identified, as well as the urgent need to include mental health concerns in the social development sector. In conclusion, neglecting the relationship between poverty and mental health is detrimental to efforts to overcome poverty. It is essential to develop intersectoral policies that move from "sectors" to "problems" such as the complex intersection between poverty and mental health.