Economic hardship can be a factor in the incidence and exacerbation of mental health problems, and economic constraints have always constrained availability of resources. But examining the economic case – whether treatment or longer-term preventive strategies are cost-effective – can actually provide strong support for investing more in them. This presentation will provide illustrations of how economic evidence has helped decision-makers (in government and in funding bodies) to recognise the enormous contributions often generated by prevention, treatment and care.