Psychotherapy in developing countries : a public health perspective

Psychotherapy is being increasingly recognised as an important treatment modality for various mental health problems. However, minimal efforts have been made to examine the utility of psychotherapy from the public health perspective, especially for developing countries. This paper outlines the present situation in developing countries with respect to the magnitude of mental health and related problems requiring psychotherapeutic help, the existing health and mental health facilities, the current training in psychiatry and psychotherapy in different training programmes, and the current state of mental health knowledge and skills of primary care personnel. A number of strategies for public health action are delineated to enhance the availability of this form of treatment to the large number of people requiring psychotherapeutic help. The needs for systematic research in this area are highlighted.