Science & Technology

Nepal Mental Health, an initiative to de-stigmatise mental health, has officially launched its website at a programme organised in National College, Kathmandu. The website contains a publically generated directory of mental health professionals.

According to a press statement, the website represents the first collective effort of database despite individual, organisational attempts to develop similar databases in the past.  

Speaking at the event, Saurav Thapa Shrestha, a member of the initiative said, “It is an attempt to make information readily available to those seeking mental health specialists and gives a platform that allows them to choose where they fit to take counselling from.”

“The website provides visitors access to information on mental health professionals from office hours to fees and the latest resources as well as a section where visitors can recommend professionals by filling in a form, which is added to the database.”

The website is a collective effort of six local organisations including Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub, ANTARANG, YUWA, Happy Minds, Nepal Institute for Research and Communications (NIRC), and Pahilo Kadam.

“The website aims to advocate and promote awareness across the spectrum of issues under mental health in the coming days,” the statement added.

"Bringing organisations together for this initiative is part of a larger goal to advocate for the de-stigmatization of mental health, and a collaborative effort for playing a critical role in making this issue a priority,” said Anamika Nehuray, the regional head of Pahilo Kadam.

The initiative also plans to partner with other organisations to create a broader network to address mental health issues.

Mental health professionals, representatives from different mental health organisations, and colleges attended the event.