Portugal is among the European countries with higher prevalence of mental disorders, associated with substantial unmet needs for treatment. Literature on the impact of the economic recession shows that an increased risk of mental health problems is likely to occur. Despite possible growing needs, the budget cuts at the health system level may have decreased the adequacy of care response. Understanding the impacts of the recession in psychological distress and in access and quality of care is imperative to set public health priorities.

Resorting to a qualitative approach, this study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of primary health care users and professionals during the recession in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.

Provide in depth information regarding the specific contexts and subjective experiences of key informants during the economic recession that started in 2008.

This study design resorts to focus groups with primary health care users and semi-structured interviews with health professionals. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive approach and thematic analysis were performed, using NVivo 10.

This study explores the views and insights of users and health professionals regarding their socio-economic context, mental health needs, changes in health services and possible solutions to alleviate the impact of the economic recession.

Being based on the perspectives of users and health professionals, this approach will complement epidemiological evidence for policy-making.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.