Respaldo introduces stricter no-show policy to reduce waiting lists

ORANJESTAD – Aruba Mental Health Foundation Respaldo will introduce a new policy on August 1, 2026, aimed at reducing missed and repeatedly cancelled appointments. The goal is to make more efficient use of psychiatrists' and psychologists' time while improving access to mental health care.

According to Respaldo, demand for mental health services continues to grow while the number of available professionals remains limited. On average, about 30 working days are lost each month because patients fail to attend scheduled appointments.

Under the new policy, patients who miss two consecutive appointments without notice may have their case closed and will need a new referral from their general practitioner to restart treatment. Patients who cancel two consecutive appointments will receive a warning that another cancellation could also result in their case being closed.

Respaldo stressed that the policy is not intended to punish patients but to shorten waiting lists, reduce waiting times, improve the use of available professionals and ensure better continuity of care.