Building Mental Health Care in Bhutan

Listening for Bridges:   Building Mental Health Care in Bhutan

In the six years since I first served as a clinical psychologist in Bhutan through HVO the country has made impressive strides in expanding and improving its mental health services and facilities.  The first Bhutan-trained counselors completed their studies and joined the ranks of health care workers, along with the first psychiatrist trained in Bhutan.  Still, there is an acute shortage of mental health care providers in the country, and there are no psychologists or social workers.   

In my four previous 3-month trips to Bhutan with HVO I have taught and supervised counselors and provided training for physicians, nurses, and other health workers.  I’ve also provided clinical services to many Bhutanese patients.   My focus has been on developing ways of integrating Buddhism wisdom into treatment in order to make it more accessible and relevant for those who need it.  This approach also supports Bhutan’s goal of preserving its culture by integrating Buddhism into solutions for contemporary social issues.

For my next visit to Bhutan in fall, 2023, I have been asked to initiate a program to teach basic counseling skills to a select group of Buddhist nuns to prepare them to work as trusted lay community mental health workers.  This project will not only integrate a Buddhist perspective into a solution for expanding the accessibility of health care but will also empower the nuns to take an active role in social issues.  We will need teaching materials and equipment for this project.   

My husband and I have funded our previous work in Bhutan.  In addition to providing resources for the nuns project and counseling training programs, your donations through Mighty Cause will contribute to my airfare and living expenses while I’m working there this fall. And they will be entirely tax deductible.

Thank you for considering making a contribution to this important work.  The feeling of making a difference is incomparable!

Anne Marie Tietjen, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist