Mental health is an important issue in Trinidad and Tobago, as it is in many countries around the world. The country has made strides in recent years to increase awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
How is mental health viewed in Trinidad and Tobago?
Mental health is becoming more widely recognized as an important aspect of overall health in Trinidad and Tobago. However, there is still a significant amount of stigma surrounding mental illness, which can make it difficult for people to seek help. Some common misconceptions about mental illness in Trinidad and Tobago include the belief that it is a sign of weakness or that it is caused by supernatural forces.
Are counselling or therapy services available for English-speakers or expats in Trinidad and Tobago and what are the contact details for major organisations that offer such services?
There are several organisations that offer counselling and therapy services for English-speakers or expats in Trinidad and Tobago. Here are a few of the major organisations and their contact details:
The Caribbean Centre for Mental Health and Development
The Caribbean Centre for Mental Health and Development is a non-governmental organisation that aims to promote mental health and well-being in the Caribbean region. They offer a variety of services, including counselling and therapy for individuals, couples, and families. They can be reached at:
- Website: http://www.ccmh.org.tt/
- Phone: (868) 622-2774
- Email: ccmh@tstt.net.tt
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists is a professional organisation for psychologists in the country. They offer a directory of registered psychologists on their website, which can be a helpful resource for individuals seeking therapy. They can be reached at:
- Website: http://ttpsychologists.org/
- Email: ttapsychologists@gmail.com
The Employee Assistance Programme
The Employee Assistance Programme is a service offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce. It provides counselling and support services for employees and their families. While it is primarily intended for employees of member companies, it may be possible for individuals to access the service on their own. They can be reached at:
- Website: http://eapchamber.com/
- Phone: (868) 625-6408
- Email: eap@chamber.org.tt
Are there other organisations that provide mental health services in Trinidad and Tobago?
Aside from the organizations mentioned above, there are other organizations in Trinidad and Tobago that offer mental health services:
Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health: The Mental Health Unit is a public service that provides mental health services to the general public. They offer a range of services including psychiatric assessment, medication management, and counselling. They also provide services for children and adolescents. Contact details can be found on their website: https://www.health.gov.tt/services/mental-health/.
Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists (TTAP): TTAP is a professional organization that represents psychologists in Trinidad and Tobago. They offer a directory of psychologists on their website, which can be filtered by area of specialization and language proficiency. The directory includes contact information for each psychologist listed. The website can be accessed at https://www.ttap.org.tt/.
Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT): FPATT offers mental health services as part of their overall healthcare services. They offer counselling for individuals and couples, as well as family therapy. Contact information can be found on their website: https://www.fpatt.org.tt/.
Lifeline: Trinidad and Tobago: Lifeline is a crisis helpline that offers emotional support, counselling, and referrals to other services. They operate 24/7 and can be reached at 800-5588 or 231-2824. More information can be found on their website: https://lifelinett.com/.
Catholic Commission for Social Justice: The Catholic Commission for Social Justice offers counselling services for individuals and families. They also provide services for children and adolescents. Contact details can be found on their website: http://ccsjcatholic.org/.
The Centre for Human Development (CHD): The CHD is a non-profit organization that provides counselling, psychotherapy, and other mental health services to individuals and families. They offer services to both adults and children, and also provide services in schools. Contact details can be found on their website: http://www.chdtt.org/.
The Caribbean Centre for Mental Health and Substance Abuse (CARICOM): CARICOM is a regional organization that aims to improve mental health and substance abuse services in the Caribbean. They offer training and capacity building programs for mental health professionals, as well as research and advocacy. Contact information can be found on their website: https://www.caricom.org/caricom-in-action/programmes/human-and-social-development/caribbean-centre-for-mental-health-and-substance-abuse/.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other organizations that provide mental health services in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and seek out the services that best fit your needs.
