Despite efforts to improve public access to mental health care in the Philippines over the past two years, many Filipinos continue to struggle with mental health problems due to barriers such as cost, stigma, and lack of awareness. A recent study conducted by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) in cooperation with the Philippine Psychiatric Association and Psychological Association of the Philippines aimed to identify these barriers and measure gains in mental health care during the pandemic. The study found that while mental health care has become more accessible and less stigmatized during the pandemic, an overwhelming 97.9% of mental healthcare providers perceived a rise in mental health concerns among Filipinos seeking help during the pandemic. Many mental health professionals also found that patients hesitate or refuse to seek help because of the high costs of mental health care (40%), feeling ashamed or worried about being perceived as “crazy” (31%), and concerns about travel and not knowing where to get professional care.
To address these challenges, the study recommends increasing the number and training of mental health providers and staff, improving internet connectivity, and increasing government funding for mental health care. Greater awareness for mental health services is also needed to better reach communities. Overall, the study provides a valuable snapshot of the mental health needs and context in the Philippines, a difficult-to-access and under-resourced setting, from providers’ perspectives. According to Ateneo Bulatao Center director Karina Therese Fernandez, Filipinos must unlearn the prejudice that seeing a mental health professional is simply “fixing something that’s broken” and instead recognize that seeking help can enhance one’s well-being and bring out the best version of oneself.
