There is an urgent need for reform in Pakistan’s system of mental health treatment. Although the country has begun acknowledging and talking about mental health difficulties, the degree of care given by therapists frequently falls short of international norms. The unreliability of therapists in Pakistan is a major issue, which is made worse by the prevalent role of religion in mental health consultations. This article explores the issues, makes suggestions for reform, and emphasises the demand for therapists who can deliver objective, research-based therapy.
Some Challenges We Face:
Lack of Regulation: The absence of a centralised regulatory authority for therapists in Pakistan has resulted in a surge in the number of untrained people providing mental health services. This oversight gap affects the standard of service and provides a foothold for dishonest practitioners.
Religious bias: The infiltration of religious ideas into therapy sessions is a serious issue that many people seeking therapy in Pakistan must deal with. While for some people faith may be a source of strength, it can be detrimental and ineffective to impose religious principles on patients without their permission or regardless of their own personal views.
Stigmatisation: In Pakistan, the societal stigma associated with mental illness frequently encourages people to get care surreptitiously. They are exposed in this setting to therapists who may take advantage of them or violate their confidentiality, thus undermining faith in the field.
Misdiagnosis: Therapists who may not fully comprehend the intricate interplay between cultural norms, religious influences, and mental health difficulties may make incorrect diagnoses as a result of cultural elements and religious views.
How Can Therapists Be More Trustworthy?
Regulation and Accreditation: The Pakistani government should create a regulating organization to credential therapists and impose stringent requirements for education and moral conduct. This would increase trust in the industry by ensuring that only certified experts are permitted to practice.
Education and Training: Therapists must get in-depth instruction that emphasizes diversity awareness and cultural sensitivity. They may therefore comprehend the distinctive cultural and religious dimensions of mental health in Pakistan without having to impose their own ideas on patients.
Ethics: Mental health providers must follow rigorous ethical principles, which include respecting patient privacy and gaining informed permission. Violations of these rules should result in dire repercussions.
Integrating Evidence-Based Practices: The industry should give priority to evidence-based therapeutic techniques that have been shown to be successful across cultural boundaries. These methods reduce the possibility of bias and guarantee that treatment is founded on empirical research rather than cultural or religious prejudices.
It is urgent to address the issue of Pakistani therapists’ lack of reliability right now. The industry has to be reformed through the creation of regulating organisations, the application of strict ethical standards, and thorough training for mental health practitioners. Additionally, the provision of a secure and welcoming atmosphere for those dealing with mental health problems depends on a transition towards secular mental health treatment. By implementing these modifications, Pakistan may aim to raise the standard and ease of access to mental health treatment, ensuring that therapy becomes a reliable and helpful resource for individuals in need
