Youth constitute one-quarter of the global working population (International Labour Organization [ILO] 2013). On the other hand, youth unemployment and poverty rates are increasing at alarming rates in both developing and developed countries (ILO 2016). Moreover, almost 43% of global youth eligible for the labor market is either unemployed or working, but still living in poverty (ILO 2015). In spite of the fact that decent and sustainable work promotes both physical health and psychological well-being for an individual (Blustein et al. 2017), a deficit of decent work opportunities affects about one in three youth aged 15 to 24 (United Nations 2015). Literature across policy, research, and practice domains highlights gaps in educational and career achievement, leading to potential psychosocial risks for global youth; hence poverty, lack of social justice, and the consequent marginalization in the society.

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A review of mental health counseling and therapy in Kuwait revealed that it is still in a developmental stage. While statistical data are lacking, there remains anecdotal evidence of growth since the mid-twentieth century, albeit with a setback as a consequence of the Iraqi invasion and its aftermath in the 1990s. Re-invigorated more recent growth indicates the need for and an interest in the field, even though psychiatric disorders are still highly stigmatized within Kuwait. The purpose of this paper is to outline how the counseling profession has developed to this point in Kuwait, what is being projected for its future development, and to make specific recommendations based on the perspective outlined.

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