Mental Health Care Programs and Services: Accessibility and Capability of Local Government Units in Albay

Abstract

The study determined the accessibility and capability of local government units on mental health programs and services in Albay. It utilized the documentary analysis and quantitative-qualitative research design and focused on the local legislations, mental health programs and services, level of accessibility of recipient groups, and level of capability of LGUs as determined by the service providers on mental health programs and services. Along with legislation, there had been no single mental health law in the Philippines for a long time but was just incorporated in codes and rules subordinate to other primary concerns. In Albay, the entire locale is primarily doing and establishing the initial platform to address mental health concerns. Mental health programs and services are limited and institution-based, and LGUs felt the need to address such issues and concerns. The level of accessibility of the recipient groups to mental health programs and services is high accessibility to facilities but low accessibility to the trained staff familiar with mental health standards. The level of capability of the LGUs in the delivery of mental health care programs and services is low among service providers but average in the treatment modalities. Local government units, in coordination with all other concerned government agencies, should prioritize and have a sense of ownership of mental health programs and services through policy development following the general guidelines set in Republic Act 11036. The primary contribution of this study is the provision of a strategic framework for action that sets standards and valuable resources for policymakers, advocates, healthcare providers, clients, and researchers in the implementation of comprehensive mental healthcare programs and services in Albay.