As mental health needs rise globally, Cambodia is taking a significant step forward by preparing to join the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (SIMH). With plans underway to hold the SIMH Design Workshop in mid-2025, Cambodia is poised to strengthen its mental health system through a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach led by the Ministry of Health and supported by WHO.
The design workshop will lay the foundation for tailored mental health actions under the WHO SIMH, with technical collaboration between Cambodia’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (DMHSA), the Department of International Cooperation (DIC), and WHO.
Strengthening the foundations
While the groundwork for the Initiative moves forward, Cambodia has also made notable progress in recent years, enhancing community mental health support through key technical working groups. Two priority areas show promising momentum:
1. Guidelines for Online Crisis Counseling
In response to growing demand for accessible and timely mental health support, Cambodia developed national Guidelines for Online Crisis Counseling. These guidelines, spearheaded by the Technical Working Group under the leadership of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, establish clear protocols and ethical standards for delivering crisis support through digital platforms.
The guidelines were finalized through a collaborative process. Once adopted, they are expected to be a vital tool for expanding access to safe and responsive mental health care — particularly for people in remote and underserved areas.
2. Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training for Schools
Recognizing the urgent need for youth-centered mental health support, the School Health Department (SHD) of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport has led the development of a new Psychological First Aid (PFA) training curriculum for schools. The curriculum equips school personnel with essential skills to provide early psychosocial support to students affected by stress, trauma, or crisis.
After technical review and refinement, the final curriculum is ready for pilot testing. The pilot will inform further national scale-up, with the aim of embedding mental health support into Cambodia’s broader school health system.
Looking ahead
The WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health aims to support 100 million more people world-wide to access quality, affordable mental health care by advancing mental health policies, services, and human rights. With strong national leadership and technical momentum already underway, Cambodia is well-positioned to adapt and localize the Initiative to its context — building a more resilient and inclusive system of care for all.
As preparations continue for the program design workshop, and beyond, the country’s collaborative work in schools, digital innovation, and systems planning reflects a shared commitment to making mental health a national priority.