It was pledged by the SNP that 250 of these positions would be filled in a drive to reduce inequality across the country.
However, it has now emerged that only 40 of these will be in place by 2018.
As a result, Scottish Conservative mental health spokesman Miles Briggs has written to his counterpart Maureen Watt in a bid to address the issue.
Charities say link workers would help connect people with health issues in deprived areas with local help and support.
Scottish Conservative mental health spokesman Miles Briggs said:
“The SNP seems totally unaware that less than a fifth of the links workers promised will be delivered by 2018.
“This delay in recruiting these vital staff members is unacceptable and the mental health minister should start treating this as a matter of priority.
“These community link workers have the potential to help thousands of people across Scotland presenting with mental health problems at GP surgeries.
“That would relieve the pressure on our family doctors and help people access the most appropriate local mental health services and support.”