Reach the underprivileged people with psychosocial counselling : US Envoy

February 12, Kathmandu: US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry has said facilities such as psychosocial counselling should reach the underprivileged and underserved people of the rural areas of the country.

Giving the introductory remarks to a virtual conference titled “Mental Health Activism in Nepal” on Friday, Ambassador Berry said as the people in rural areas had the least access to the mental health services and facilities, it was imperative for health professionals, volunteers, and influencers to reach those areas and people.

Saying that mental health issues were often neglected and ignored in various communities, Ambassador Berry called on everyone to fight against the stigmatization of different mental illness such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

“America will always help Nepali communities to ensure their dignity and human rights, because America will only succeed if Nepal succeeds, ” Berry said.

US Ambassador Berry also informed that the American aid agency USAID had been providing mental health services in five districts of the country including Kathmandu, Kailali, Lalitpur, Makwanpur, and Morang.

Speaking during the conference, panelists Jagannath Lamichhane, Matrika Devkota, Nishma Choudhary, and Sudhin Pokhrel stressed on the need to make people aware about the mental health issues.