Psychological Needs in Post-Genocide Cambodia: The Call for Family Therapy Services and the Implications for the “Majority World” Populations

ABSTRACT During the Khmer Rouge reign in Cambodia from 1975 to1979, approximately one-quarter of the country’s population lost their lives by starvation, disease, or execution. Most intellectual and academic institutions, including mental health services, were destroyed during this period by the Khmer Rouge regime who saw them as a threat. About 15 years ago mental health services began to be reinitiated in the country, usually in collaboration with Western academics and mental health experts. The call for these services was often in response to the high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorders and other psychosocial problems. Today mental health issues still receive insufficient attention in Cambodia, mainly stemming from a lack of resources, knowledge about the general topic of mental health, and stigma. This article presents the results of a survey delivered to the first generation of psychology students since the end of the Khmer Rouge regime regarding their impressions of the current mental health needs in Cambodia. Respondents answered questions about the types of problems people bring to Cambodian counselors and therapist, the clinical populations in their work settings, their views of preferred treatment approaches in Cambodia, barriers to service delivery, and types of training needed to address the concerns of the people of Cambodia. The leading requests for the future development of mental health training included the need for training in marriage and family therapy, assessments, and play therapy. Domestic violence, depression, and anxiety/stress were also placed at the top of the mental health issues reported.