Mental health care context in Mexico exists at the intersection of standard psychiatric medicine and a rich tradition of alternative and complementary treatments. Traditional healing practices—including herbal remedies, spiritual rituals, and energy-based therapies—have been deeply embedded in Latin American culture for centuries, long before European colonization. Evidence suggests medicinal plant use predates recorded history, with practices documented as early as 1493 [1]. Rooted in community values, religion, and spirituality, these healing methods remain central to many individuals' experiences of illness and wellness [2,3].

These treatments, often categorized as complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), are widely used alongside or in place of conventional psychiatric care. The distinction between complementary and alternative treatments lies in their integration with biomedical approaches: complementary treatments are used alongside conventional medicine, while alternative treatments are positioned as substitutes [4,5].

Studies show that the use of CAM is prevalent across Latin America with prevalence rates ranging from 20 % [6] to 90 % [7]. Research has found that Hispanic patients report higher use of CAM compared to non-Hispanic patients (77 % vs. 47 %) [8], with around 7 in 10 Hispanic individuals reporting the use of natural products [9]. Herbal medicine is consistently the most commonly reported form of CAM, cited by 59.2 %–97.35 % of users across different studies [10,11].

In the mental health field specifically, the use of CAM has been documented for a variety of conditions. In Mexico, the use of alternative medicine ranges from 18 to 20 % among people with depression to over 25 % among those with anxiety [6]. These figures were reported to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 61.9 % of adults using medicinal plants for anxiety and depression, and 25.3 % combining them with conventional treatments [12].

Practices such as “curanderismo” (traditional healing), herbal medicine, energy work, shamanistic rituals, and divination methods like tarot readings continue to be recognized within communities ([13,14]; Ciofalo, 2013). The persistence of these practices is rooted in the country's sociocultural landscape, where spirituality and magical thinking play significant roles in shaping health beliefs [15]. Mexico's indigenous traditions, combined with centuries of colonial influence and global spiritual trends, have contributed to a dynamic healing system that blends pre-Hispanic, Catholic, and esoteric elements [16]. Many individuals turn to these practices for emotional and psychological relief, seeking comfort in treatments that align with their worldviews and cultural identities [17]. The use of CAM is particularly common in rural areas, where traditions are preserved and passed down through indigenous communities [18].

Beyond cultural relevance, systemic factors also play a significant role in the widespread use of CAM. Mexico's healthcare system faces structural deficiencies, including limited mental health resources, long wait times, and socioeconomic barriers that restrict access to psychiatric care [19]. In this context, traditional healers often become the first point of contact for individuals experiencing emotional distress, due to their accessibility, affordability, and cultural compatibility with local communities [20]. Additionally, the stigma surrounding conventional psychiatry in Mexico has led many individuals to seek treatment through socially accepted alternatives, such as religious and spiritual healing or herbal remedies, instead of pursuing psychiatric interventions that may be viewed negatively [21].

While these practices have long been integral to cultural traditions, interest in CAM has grown in recent years among patients, healthcare professionals, and the broader society. This renewed attention is reflected in a significant increase in usage rates; for example, CAM use in the United States rose from 33.8 % to 62 % over a 14-year period [7] and continues to expand. In Mexico, the economic impact of this trend is evident, with the CAM market valued at approximately USD 1.8 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 7.8 billion by 2030, driven by a compound annual growth rate of 23 % [22].

As global discussions on cultural competence in medicine gain prominence, understanding the intersection between traditional healing and modern psychiatric practice is essential. A growing body of literature emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural sensitivity into mental health care, not only to improve patient trust and treatment adherence but also to bridge the gap between conventional and culturally rooted healing methods (Rice & Harris, 2020; [23,24]).

Given their central role in patient care, mental health professionals offer a crucial perspective on the intersection between traditional practices and modern psychiatric treatment. Understanding their views is key to capturing how often patients use these practices, why they turn to them, and how professionals navigate these treatments in clinical settings. Despite the increasing use of CAM, little is known about how mental health professionals navigate or perceive these practices in their daily work. This study aims to explore: (a) mental health professionals' perceptions of the prevalence of traditional practices among patients; (b) the factors influencing patients' use of such practices; and (c) clinicians’ attitudes toward integrating these practices into modern mental health care.