Psychologist: Mental health services must be for all

CEBU CITY - With the recent suicide of a 21-year-old woman, a licensed psychologist is calling for greater awareness when it comes to mental health.

In an interview, Dr. Ana Kathrina OaminalWatin believes that the national government must find ways to make mental health become more affordable and available in the grassroots level.

“Yes, mental health services should be made available to all. Awareness is a primary concern,” Watin said.

Watin, a licensed psychologist, told Sunstar Cebu that the mental health has been less prioritized or given more attention because of the stigma associated with it.

Aside from the stigma, the cost of having oneself treated for mental health problems isn’t affordable.

“The cost is also a concern. it is not affordable to all. Most health insurances in the country do not cover mental health,” Watin said.

Hospitals also provide limited facilities for mental health, she said.

Watin hopes that the national government could give priority to mental health by providing more affordable services to the grassroots level.

She hopes that once the proposed Mental Health Act is passed into law, it could mean a spotlight on a mental health and the problems associated with it.

Last week, a 21-yearold woman committed suicide in front of her daughter and even broadcasted it on Facebook Live. JKV/Sunstar Philippines