Lay Counselor Training in Developing Countries: Needs, Approaches, and Impact on Quality of Life

Abstract

Mental health is one of the least developed and most neglected areas of health care in developing countries.  The extreme scarcity of mental health professionals and services available in these countries, coupled with the lack of resources to support them, leave millions of people without even the most basic assistance in times of suffering and need.  There is increasing evidence, however, that adequately trained lay counselors can make meaningful and long-term differences in the lives of children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and communities in developing nations.  Hence, the needs and demands for skilled lay counselors in developing countries of the world have never been greater.  Academic institutions, community agencies, and NGO's within and beyond resource limited countries can contribute greatly to lay counselor training.  Such training can enhance people's overall quality of life and have a measureable impact on human development and economic productivity