Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mental health expenditures are increasing worldwide. In developed countries there is evidence that increased health spending is associated with improved outcomes. However, this information may not apply to the Colombian health system that is significantly different and underfunded in comparison with developed countries. METHODOLOGY: We used data from Colombia “Gestion de la Demanda” information system grouped for analysis by geographical areas, age groups, and ICD-10 sub-chapters for mental and behavioural disorders. We performed descriptive analytical techniques and Tufte’s statistical visualisations, with all monetary analysis presented in US Dollars (USD) adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP). FINDINGS: We found that rural females with disorders of adult personality and behaviour in 2021 had the highest spending of 2,490 USD PPP. When analysing the averages, the highest values were found for males with mental and behavioural disorders related to psychoactive substance use between 12 and 26 years old with a mean spending of 1,074 USD PPP. Regarding the frequency of health services use per patient, the highest was 45 consultations per patient and was associated with the highest per capita health spending. INTERPRETATION: This study represents a pioneering effort in the analysis of mental health expenditure in Colombia to partition costs, providing a novel economic perspective about which areas in Colombia and for whom spend is greatest. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12991-025-00589-3.