The long and short of the issue of counsellors

THERE is no doubt that mental health issues are on the rise in Malaysia and, as a Counselling Psychology graduate, I personally believe that the country’s mental health professionals are doing their very best to provide quality treatment while also promoting a holistic awareness of these issues among the urban and rural populations.

However, the proposal to train 10,000 “lay counsellors” to handle mental health problems in the country has surprised many practising counsellors here despite the noble intention of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.