An incongruence between policy, practice, and cultural values: implications for mental health services in Namibia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mental health access, provisions, and utilization of social services in Namibia have seen challenges as well as opportunities for improvement. In this article, the authors 1) discuss Namibia’s antiquated mental health law and policies, 2) discuss the current landscape of social work and mental health in Namibia and similarly situated countries, 3) explore five-to-ten year projections for development, 4) discuss preventative and innovative solutions to address mental health in Namibia in the context of the grand challenge related to eradicate social isolation, and 5) explore opportunities for social work practice and research.