Mental Health In Cambodia

Psychotherapy in Cambodia has undergone significant transformation, shaped by the country's traumatic history under the Khmer Rouge regime and the resulting widespread psychological impact. The genocide decimated Cambodia’s healthcare system, leaving the country with few trained professionals and a traumatized population. Mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety have persisted across generations, with cultural expressions of trauma, like "baksbat" or "broken courage," influencing how psychological distress is understood and addressed. Initial responses to this mental health crisis came through international aid and NGO-led trauma services, laying the groundwork for future mental healthcare development. Progress remained slow until the early 21st century when increased economic stability and government support allowed more focused investment in mental health services.

Today, Cambodia’s mental health system shows signs of steady growth, particularly in urban centers like Phnom Penh, where services have been integrated into primary healthcare and a small but growing number of trained professionals are active. Major institutions such as the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, CCAMH, and TPO Cambodia offer a variety of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic services. New training programs are helping develop local expertise in diverse therapeutic approaches, including CBT, family therapy, and play therapy. However, challenges remain: rural access to care is limited, the number of mental health professionals is still very low, and private practice remains largely inaccessible to lower-income populations. While there is encouraging progress, Cambodia’s mental health system continues to grapple with accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in addressing the nation's widespread psychological needs.