Brazil Launches Telehealth Support for Gambling-Related Harm

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has introduced telehealth services aimed at supporting individuals experiencing gambling-related harm, in a move designed to “expand access to care in a private, safe and accessible way.”

The initiative includes a BRL2.5m investment for Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) to provide video consultations, with an initial capacity to support up to 600 users per month.

The service is available through the Meu SUS Digital app and has been developed in partnership with Sírio-Libanês Hospital in São Paulo.

According to the ministry, the Unified Health System delivered 6,157 in-person consultations related to gambling harm during 2025.

“Therefore, telehealth services were structured precisely to expand access to care in a private, safe and accessible way,” the ministry said.

Alexandre Padilha added:

“We are introducing telehealth because we have realised that people with gambling-related problems rarely seek in-person healthcare services.

“Often, they have difficulty admitting the problem, feel ashamed and still face significant stigmatization. Therefore, we are creating tools so that families and friends can support those facing this situation, allowing direct contact with the Ministry of Health without the need to go to a health unit.”

Users accessing the telehealth programme will be able to receive up to 13 consultations, either in group sessions or individually.

The consultations will be delivered by psychologists and occupational therapists, with a psychiatrist available if required. The Unified Health System will also coordinate with social services and family medicine teams where additional support is needed.