Experiences and Challenges of Mental Health Professionals in the National Capital Region

Abstract

This study examines the Experiences and Challenges of Mental Health Professionals in the National Capital Region. This study shed light on the day–to–day experiences of mental health practitioners. It distinguished the challenges they encountered while working in the clinical setting, specifically in the psychiatric field. Eight participants comprising two (2) psychologists, three (3) psychiatric nurses, two (2) occupational/activity therapists, and one (1) guidance counselor who are residing in the National Capital Region were specifically selected to participate in this study through purposive and snowball sampling. The structured interview was conducted through a one–on–one, face–to–face, and online interview through the use of Google Meet and Zoom platforms to cater to the availability of the respondents. The interviews lasted for an hour. The participants were asked twenty (20) questions divided into the three main domains that the researchers wished to focus on Work Performance, Relationships to the Community, and Family. Five main themes emerged from the overall analysis of the data extracted from the participants. These are Complex Fields of Mental Health Practice, Continuous Learning, Community Approach to Mental Health, work-life balance, and Work Experience Personality. Under these main themes are specific sub–themes that further summarize the experiences and challenges of mental health professionals. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that comprehensive strategies be implemented specifically to address the challenges highlighted in this study.