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The category of registered counsellor was created to service the mental health care needs of the South African population at primary health care level. However, a lack of employment opportunities for registered counsellors within primary health care settings resulted in many opting to work within private practice. In this study, we explored barriers and facilitators to the delivery of mental health care by registered counsellors. We employed purposive and snowball sampling to recruit 15 participants, who were registered counsellors in private practice throughout South Africa, and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online via Skype. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. We used the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation model of behaviour and the Theoretical Domains Framework as conceptual frameworks in the study. We identified facilitators and barriers that registered counsellors experienced in their attempts to provide mental health care at a primary care level. We identified three themes and named them as follows: (1) registered counsellors feeling competent, capable, and motivated to engage in community work, (2) the registered counsellor as an unacknowledged mental health professional, and (3) limited alternatives to private practice. We regarded the first theme as a facilitator, and the other two as barriers to the provision of mental health care by registered counsellors in private practice. These findings suggest that registered counsellors felt motivated and capable of providing mental health care, but that structural barriers prevent them from doing so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionsDiscrimination in intimate relationships (IR) is frequently reported among persons with schizophrenia. Despite ongoing effort of international organizations to combat mental illness stigma, there remain a limited understanding of specific IR-related stereotypes.The study aimed to i) identify the stereotypes related to IR of persons with schizophrenia held by Mental Health Professionals (MHP), health students and the general population, and ii) explore the effects of several factors associated with these stereotypes.This study used a mixed-methods approach. A survey developed collaboratively with persons with lived experience of mental health conditions (PWLE) was disseminated among MHP, health students and the general population.The majority of the nine IR-related stereotypes previously identified by PWLE were endorsed by the participants (N = 532). PWLE were perceived as particularly incompetent in the domain of IR (e.g. to achieve couple project). Stereotypes endorsement varied among the groups. Continuum beliefs, perceived similarities and recovery beliefs were negatively associated with stereotype endorsement.The general population, MHP and health students endorsed several stereotypes regarding IR of persons with schizophrenia. The results provide support for the role of theoretical beliefs in IR stigmatization, suggesting they may be relevant targets for evidence-based stigma reduction programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGlobally, people with mental illness are more likely to present poor social, health and economic outcomes than the general population. While formal mental health services have been integral to the wellbeing of these vulnerable individuals, the relevance of kinship support in their lives cannot be overemphasized. Mental health practitioners play a crucial role in navigating the complex dynamics inherent in family relationships when mental illness is present. As such, their perspectives could shed light on the intricate dynamics of kinship care and emphasize the need for tailored interventions that address the diverse issues within familial contexts. In this qualitative study, the perspectives of twenty mental health professionals on kinship care for persons with severe and persistent mental illness in Ghana were explored. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and were analyzed via content analysis. The mental health professionals mainly understood kinship care as nuclear and extended family members providing support to their ill relative, albeit mostly with reference to nuclear family support. While kinship was deemed relevant due to the bonds that tie family members, some drawbacks were noted. When working with patients and their families, mental health professionals are expected to assess the availability of kinship support from the patient’s perspective in collaboration with the family members before deciding whether to integrate kinship into their support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: We know that there are similar rates of borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosed in both men and women; however, some research suggests that BPD is diagnosed later and less frequently in men. Some research suggests that males diagnosed with BPD present differently to women, but not much is known about how this influences the care men receive in inpatient mental health hospitals. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: This paper is the first to specifically ask inpatient staff about men diagnosed with BPD, and to hear about their perceptions and experiences.It identified that some staff do not feel as knowledgeable in identifying and treating BPD in men compared to women. Some staff talked about how emotional difficulties like BPD are often not the first thought when men present with distress compared to women. Staff also talked about needing a safe, open and transparent working culture to be able to ask questions and to be questioned on their own assumptions, biases or lack of training. What are the implications for practice?: This paper suggests that inpatient staff may hold some assumptions about men and their emotions, such as assuming that they are less likely to struggle with emotional difficulties like BPD. Staff anxieties about risk management may influence how they perceive and care for men in inpatient wards. The findings suggest that male‐specific training in identifying and treating BPD should be provided for staff on inpatient wards, to improve knowledge and confidence. Introduction: Research highlights discrepancies in recognition of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in men, despite similar rates of prevalence across genders. Aim: To investigate inpatient mental health professionals' experiences of delivering treatment for males with a diagnosis of BPD. Method: Six mental health professionals working within adult acute inpatient wards completed a semi‐structured interview. All participants were members of the nursing team. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Five themes were identified: Gender Differences, Stereotyping, Facilitators to Care Delivery, Barriers to Care Delivery and Ways to Improve Care. Participants talked of a lack of awareness and understanding of BPD in males impacting both diagnosis and treatment in an acute inpatient setting. Discussion: There may be factors ranging from gender stereotypes, limited knowledge and understanding of gender differences in presentations, and personal/organisational cultures influencing the formulation and treatment of males with a diagnosis of BPD in inpatient settings. Implications for Practice: The findings suggest that gender stereotypes such as masculine norms may influence how male patients' emotional difficulties are understood and managed, and that additional training in male‐specific issues to improve knowledge and care provision. This research will support inpatient staff, service leads and clinical educators to identify ways to adapt care provision for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To examine the perspectives of mental health professionals on providing group intervention for female spouses of men with alcohol dependence who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods: A qualitative research design was used, and a purposive sample technique was used to select the participants. Nine experts with more than five years of experience in handling partner violence cases provided insights through in-depth interviews. The transcripts were carefully examined several times, coded and re-coded. The codes were subsequently organized into thematic categories. Results: Most of the experts were between the age of 35-45 years (66.7%), females (77.8%) and had more than five years of experience in mental health and IPV (55.6%). Most of the experts (66.7%) were working in teaching institutions related to mental health and IPV. The remaining one-third (33.3%) of the experts were legal and women empowerment practitioners. The thematic analysis generated six main themes and 19 subthemes, with 189 codes. The six mean themes were: psychosocial needs and concerns, psychosocial interventions, enhancing psychological well-being, enhancing the social support systems, challenges, and therapeutic strategies. Conclusion: Experts emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to IPV intervention. Group intervention addresses multiple issues that contribute to violence. Survivors need safe housing, counseling, legal help, and financial assistance.

Background: In the Indian context, published systematic research on the opinions of mental health professionals and other stakeholders (patients and caregivers) regarding the different adverse effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not available. This type of study allows for an in-depth exploration of complex phenomena, such as the perspectives of mental health professionals, which can provide a rich understanding of their experiences regarding ECT and also helps to understand the views of mental health professionals regarding the adverse effects of ECT during the post-ECT recovery period and its management. Conversely, the perception of patients and caregivers regarding the adverse effects of ECT can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the treatment and its impact on the patients who receive it. Purpose: To explore the understanding of participants about the various adverse effects following ECT and their perception of managing different adverse effects of ECT during the post-ECT recovery period. Methods: A qualitative approach using focus group discussion (FGD) was used. A convenience sampling technique was followed for selecting the participants. FGDs were conducted with stakeholders including mental health professionals, patients, and caregivers. Five FGDs were conducted with psychiatry residents, nursing officers from the ECT suite, and different psychiatry wards at NIMHANS. Four FGDs were held separately for patients receiving ECT and their caregivers, admitted to various psychiatry wards at NIMHANS. A total of 28 mental health professionals, 20 patients, and 20 caregivers participated. The number of participants for FGDs was decided based on data saturation. The FGDs, lasting 30–40 minutes each, occurred between October 2022 and December 2022. The FGDs were audio-recorded with prior permission from the participants. All the participants were informed about the study. Written informed consent was obtained. All FGDs were transcribed. Thematic analysis was done using Atlas. ti software. Results: The broad categories identified were adverse events associated with ECT during the ECT procedure, adverse events associated with ECT after the ECT procedure, prevalence of different adverse effects according to mental health professionals, effects of adverse effects on the continuity of ECT, and difficulties encountered by mental health professionals throughout the management. Other broad categories were found after conducting FGDs with caregivers and patients, which were patients’ experience as per the caregivers over the course of ECT, caregivers’ and patients’ willingness to continue ECT, unfavorable impacts of ECT experienced by the patients immediately after ECT sessions, and, later till the end of that day, suggestions of the caregivers and patients to improvise the management of ECT-related adverse effects and management of adverse effects by the treating team. Conclusion: The findings will develop a standard operating procedure that may help nursing officers monitor and identify the adverse effects immediately after ECT and minimize the complications during the post-ECT recovery period.

Yu Xiao,1,2 Liang Liu,3 Ting-ting Chen,4 Zhou Zhang,5 Xiao-hong Wu6 1Psychosomatic Medical Center, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610036, People’s Republic of China; 2Psychosomatic Medical Center, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610036, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Urology, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei Province, 071030, People’s Republic of China; 4Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610044, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, 441011, People’s Republic of China; 6Nursing Department, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliate Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yu Xiao, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, No. 8, Huli West Lane 1, Yingmenkou Road, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610036, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-028-85641749, Email xiaoy3@outlook.comObjectives: Sexual harassment (SH) is a prevalent issue in various professional fields worldwide. The current study aims to investigate the incidence of SH targeting psychiatrists in China and explore its impact on quality of life (QOL).Methods: A consecutive recruitment of 1093 psychiatrists was conducted from 6 hospitals in China. The recorded data included participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, experiences of workplace SH within the previous year, and their QOL. SH comprised verbal harassment, physical harassment, and displaying of sexual organs. The Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) was employed to assess QOL. We compared the demographic characteristics and QOL between the SH group and the non-SH group. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent demographic correlates of SH.Results: In total, 13.8% (n = 151) of the psychiatrists reported SH, with 5.8% reporting it once, 4.4% reporting it twice, and 3.6% reporting it three times or more. Psychiatrists who had encountered SH exhibited lower QOL across social, psychological, physical, and environmental domains. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that young physicians and those with shorter work experience had a higher likelihood of experiencing SH.Conclusion: The high prevalence of SH among Chinese psychiatrists is of concern. Given its detrimental effects on the well-being of physicians and the quality of medical care they provide, it is crucial to develop specialized employee training programs for this population to effectively manage workplace SH.Keywords: China, psychiatrists, quality of life, mental health professionals, sexual harassment, workplace safety

The extent and magnitude of the mental health stigma are enormous, with substantial clinical and social implications. There is a complex relationship between mental health stigma and mental health professionals (MHPs); MHPs can be anti-stigma crusaders, victims of stigma, and even a source of stigma. Unfortunately, literature is scarce talking about the relationship between stigma and MHPs. Hence, the current review aims to bridge the existing gap in the literature on various aspects of stigma and the role of MHPs. For the current review, we ran a search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases; we restricted our study to records focusing on the interplay of mental health stigma and the MHPs, published during 2012–2022, in English, and having a full text available. We found that MHPs (psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses) can also be the recipients of the stigma. The stigma faced by the MHPs is determined by the negative stereotypes set by the media, or medical students, or other health professionals; the marginal position of psychiatry in the health system; difficult-to-treat mental disorders; MHPs’ own experience of stigma; and the attitude or beliefs of various caders of the MHPs, their professional experience, and expertise in managing various mental health conditions. Notably, MHPs can also be a source of stigma (stigmatizers). MHPs need to be sensitized concerning this, and the anti-stigma interventions must incorporate this aspect of stigma. Novel interventions, such as digital-based programs, should be used instead of traditional anti-stigma programs in order to decrease stigma around mental health issues and make anti-stigma initiatives more appealing and scalable. To address the issues of stigma, there has to be more communication between MHPs, other health professionals, service users, and policymakers.

Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? What the paper adds to existing knowledge? What Are the implications for practice? Introduction Aim Method Results Discussion/Implications for Practice Mental health professionals' beliefs about transgender individuals vary, often influenced by stereotypes. There's recognition of healthcare needs, but limited knowledge impacts decision‐making. Stereotypes persist regarding why transgender individuals seek mental health care. Professionals' attitudes show both positive support and negative, discriminatory views. Lack of training and knowledge gaps hinder effective care for transgender individuals. Pathologising attitudes exist, associating gender diversity with mental health conditions. Addressing training gaps is crucial for equitable care for transgender individuals. Challenging stereotypes and beliefs is necessary to reduce stigma and improve understanding. Enhancing knowledge and evidence‐based tools will ensure safe and equal healthcare access. Transgender people face against significant barriers in accessing mental health services due to, among other reasons, discrimination and a lack of expertise among professionals.To explore the beliefs and attitudes of professionals in the mental health network of the region of Murcia towards transgender people, focusing on aspects such as knowledge, perceptions, and prejudices about gender identity.We carried out a qualitative study involving 14 participants, conducting semi‐structured interviews based on prior knowledge of the topic. We asked the professionals about their experiences and challenges in their clinical interaction with transgender users and followed an inductive‐deductive process to analyse the data.Two main themes were identified from the interviews, which were sub‐categorised into different sub‐themes: (a) beliefs about transgender people: underlying factors and origins of gender diversity, health needs, and stereotypes about the demand for health care; (b) attitudes and behaviours of professionals towards transgender people: pathologization and attitudes towards decision‐making.Our findings suggest that mental health professionals tend to oversimplify the factors underlying gender diversity and hold certain stereotypical beliefs about these users that oversimplify the complexity of their experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In times of war, mental health professionals are at an increased risk of developing psychological problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of conflicts or wars on mental health professionals in Palestine and their coping methods of dealing with these challenges remain unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of PTSD symptoms and strategies for coping among mental health professionals in Palestine, in light of the ongoing Gaza war and political violence. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional research design. Self-reported questionnaires, including the PCL-5 and Brief COPE scales, were used to gather data. The relationship between the research variables and PTSD symptoms was investigated using frequencies, percentages, bivariate analysis, Pearson correlation, and Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: A total of 514 participants were recruited, with an estimated prevalence of PTSD of 38.7%. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis revealed that having a prior history of trauma and feeling disabled or unable to deal with your patients during the current Gaza war and Israeli–Palestinian political violence increases the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms. In addition, using venting, self blame, and behavioral disengagement as coping strategies increases the likelihood of developing symptoms of PTSD. Moreover, using acceptance and substance use as coping strategies reduces the risk of developing PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: The findings revealed a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms among mental health professionals during wartime and political violence. As a result, mental health professionals need immediate assistance in enhancing their mental wellbeing through supervision, psychotherapy, and comprehensive and continuous training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGiven increased global stressors, novel interventions are needed to improve psychological wellbeing. The public are increasingly interested in wellbeing, self-care, and general health; and the wellness industry is rapidly growing online. This article highlights the public health and wellbeing benefits of virtual reality and immersive experiences. It argues that their future development within the metaverse should involve partnership with mental health professionals, especially those with experience of therapeutic interventions and virtual reality-based therapies. This input can ensure appropriate regulation; address potential ethical issues, including the risk of harm; and maximise therapeutic benefits, such as stress reduction. Such applications of psychological theory have the potential to ensure that the metaverse is a place of happiness, enjoyment, and relaxation, rather than one that is susceptible to toxic online experiences; and this partnership between clinicians and industry is likely to increase public wellbeing benefits and make the metaverse a more therapeutic space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the Indian context, published systematic research on the opinions of mental health professionals and other stakeholders (patients and caregivers) regarding the different adverse effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not available. This type of study allows for an in-depth exploration of complex phenomena, such as the perspectives of mental health professionals, which can provide a rich understanding of their experiences regarding ECT and also helps to understand the views of mental health professionals regarding the adverse effects of ECT during the post-ECT recovery period and its management. Conversely, the perception of patients and caregivers regarding the adverse effects of ECT can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the treatment and its impact on the patients who receive it. Purpose: To explore the understanding of participants about the various adverse effects following ECT and their perception of managing different adverse effects of ECT during the post-ECT recovery period. Methods: A qualitative approach using focus group discussion (FGD) was used. A convenience sampling technique was followed for selecting the participants. FGDs were conducted with stakeholders including mental health professionals, patients, and caregivers. Five FGDs were conducted with psychiatry residents, nursing officers from the ECT suite, and different psychiatry wards at NIMHANS. Four FGDs were held separately for patients receiving ECT and their caregivers, admitted to various psychiatry wards at NIMHANS. A total of 28 mental health professionals, 20 patients, and 20 caregivers participated. The number of participants for FGDs was decided based on data saturation. The FGDs, lasting 30--40 minutes each, occurred between October 2022 and December 2022. The FGDs were audio-recorded with prior permission from the participants. All the participants were informed about the study. Written informed consent was obtained. All FGDs were transcribed. Thematic analysis was done using Atlas. ti software. Results: The broad categories identified were adverse events associated with ECT during the ECT procedure, adverse events associated with ECT after the ECT procedure, prevalence of different adverse effects according to mental health professionals, effects of adverse effects on the continuity of ECT, and difficulties encountered by mental health professionals throughout the management. Other broad categories were found after conducting FGDs with caregivers and patients, which were patients' experience as per the caregivers over the course of ECT, caregivers' and patients' willingness to continue ECT, unfavorable impacts of ECT experienced by the patients immediately after ECT sessions, and, later till the end of that day, suggestions of the caregivers and patients to improvise the management of ECT-related adverse effects and management of adverse effects by the treating team. Conclusion: The findings will develop a standard operating procedure that may help nursing officers monitor and identify the adverse effects immediately after ECT and minimize the complications during the post-ECT recovery period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a shift to implement human rights-based approaches in acute mental health care due to increasing concerns around quality of care. National Health Service (NHS) Trusts have a legal duty to uphold a person's human rights, therefore it is important to understand what any barriers might be. Using psychological theory may help to develop this understanding. To test whether the theory of planned behaviour can be an effective model in understanding mental health professionals' intentions to work using a human rights-based approach. Participants were recruited from two NHS Trusts in the North West of England. A cross-sectional, survey design was used to examine mental health professionals' intentions to use human rights-based approaches. Multiple regression analyses were performed on the theory of planned behaviour constructs showing that attitude and subjective norm significantly predicted intention. Perceived behavioural control did not add any significant variance, nor any demographic variables. There could be factors outside of the individual clinician's control to fully work within a human rights-based framework on acute mental health wards. The theory of planned behaviour offers some understanding, however further development work into measuring human rights outcomes on acute mental health wards is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trust in mental health professionals and services profoundly impacts health outcomes. However, understanding trust in mental health professionals, especially in ethnic minority contexts, is lacking. To explore this within the Bedouin-Arab minority, a qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 Bedouins in southern Israel. Participants were primarily female (60%) married (60%), averaging 34.08 years old. Employing grounded theory, three themes emerged. Firstly, concerns about confidentiality were central, eroding trust due to societal repercussions. Secondly, factors influencing confidentiality concerns and distrust were tied to Bedouin-Arab social structures and cultural values rather than professional attributes. Lastly, the consequences of distrust included reduced help-seeking. This study enriches the understanding of trust in mental health professionals among non-Western ethnic minorities, highlighting how cultural factors shape perceptions of mental health services and distrust. Addressing confidentiality worries demands Bedouin mental health professionals to acknowledge hurdles, build community ties, and demonstrate expertise through personal connections and events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines mental health service providers who provided care to evacuees during the Israel–Hamas conflict. Utilizing a phenomenological qualitative method, the research delves into the psychological impact on the participants' lived experiences. The sample included 25 mental health providers (13 female, age range 28–63, mean 42.4, SD 7.3; 15 psychologists and 10 social worker, average seniority 10.8 years, SD 5.2, range 2–18 years). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted between December 2023 and March 2024. The data analysis revealed a dual narrative: Participants paid a major personal price and experienced secondary traumatization manifesting in emotional detachment, physical symptoms, and heightened arousal. They also derived a profound sense of meaning and fulfillment from their work, contributing to personal and professional growth. These findings underscore the complexity of their experiences, which were marked by the challenges of secondary trauma and the resilience fostered through their work. This study emphasizes the importance of support systems, including social and familial networks and professional supervision, in navigating these challenges. This study has several limitations, including small sample size and the use of virtual interviews, suggesting the need for further research with a broader participant base and in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Engaging family members in the ongoing care of individuals with mental illness is a practice known to bolster the client's recovery journey and enhance the overall wellbeing of both children and families involved. Despite its potential benefits, there remains a dearth of understanding surrounding the implementation of family-focused practices (FFP) by mental health professionals serving adults, as well as the factors that could either promote or hinder such practices. This knowledge gap is particularly pronounced within North American settings. Goal: The goal of this study was to identify potential hindering and enabling factors of FFP used in adult mental health services. Methods: A sample of 512 professionals working with adult mental health clients, from all regions of Quebec, Canada, with a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and working in different work settings, completed the Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire (FFMHPQ). Multinominal logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of several factors -- organizational, professional, and personal -- on the degree of family-based practices of mental health workers. Results and discussion: Findings of this study show that the strongest predictors for the adoption of higher FFP levels among adult mental health professionals in Quebec, are being employed on a full-time basis, perceiving a higher level of skills, knowledge, and confidence toward FFP, and having a supportive workplace environment. Results underscore the need to address both organizational and worker-related aspects to effectively promote better FFP in mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clinical psychologists in Austria shouldered a large part of the massive increase in demand for mental health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic affected their work and to gather information on how best to support the profession in the event of a crisis. Methods: N = 172 Austrian clinical psychologists participated in a cross-sectional online survey between 11 April 2022 and 31 May 2022, including both closed and open-ended questions about their work. Open-ended questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A mixed-methods analysis was conducted to test correlations between the categories derived from the qualitative analysis and professional variables. Results: The analyses revealed that clinical psychologists, especially those with more years of experience, perceived an increased need for clinical psychological treatment, especially for children and adolescents, a lack of coverage for clinical psychological treatment by health insurance, a change to remote treatment formats, and a number of burdens associated with complying with COVID-19 measures. Discussion: Clinical psychologists reported an urgent need to increase resources in both outpatient and inpatient settings and to promote health insurance coverage. To support the clinical psychology profession in providing high-quality work in times of crisis, there is a need to facilitate more opportunities for team and peer exchange, as well as financial support in the event of loss of income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using network analysis, the interactions between mental health problems at the symptom level can be explored in depth. This study examined the network structure of depressive and anxiety symptoms and suicidality among mental health professionals after the end of China's Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy. A total of 10,647 mental health professionals were recruited nationwide from January to February 2023. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively, while suicidality was defined by a 'yes' response to any of the standard questions regarding suicidal ideation (SI), suicide plan (SP) and suicide attempt (SA). Expected Influence (EI) and Bridge Expected Influence (bEI) were used as centrality indices in the symptom network to characterize the structure of the symptoms. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidality were 45.99 %, 28.40 %, and 7.71 %, respectively. The network analysis identified GAD5 ("Restlessness") as the most central symptom, followed by PHQ4 ("Fatigue") and GAD7 ("Feeling afraid"). Additionally, PHQ6 ("Guilt"), GAD5 ("Restlessness"), and PHQ8 ("Motor disturbance") were bridge nodes linking depressive and anxiety symptoms with suicidality. The flow network indicated that the strongest connections of S ("Suicidality") was with PHQ6 ("Guilt"), GAD7 ("Feeling afraid"), and PHQ2 ("Sad mood"). Depression, anxiety, and suicidality among mental health professionals were highly prevalent after China's Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy ended. Effective measures should target central and bridge symptoms identified in this network model to address the mental health problems in those at-risk. • This network analysis examined the inter-relationships of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among mental health professionals after the end of China's Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy. • Central symptoms and bridge symptoms should be targeted interventions for Chinese mental health professionals with mental health problem. • "Guilt", "Feeling afraid" and "Sad mood" have leading connection with suicidality in Chinese mental health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Interpersonal partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social and public health problem worldwide. In the context of the response by the World Health Organization to this issue, proposals were developed to improve the usefulness of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) descriptions for helping clinicians to reliably identify relational problems and maltreatment (RPM), including IPV, as part of clinical practice. This study focuses on factors associated with the accuracy of diagnostic decisions made by mental health professionals (MHPs) around the world when using the proposed ICD descriptions for RPM with standardized clinical vignettes in an ICD-11 internet-based field trial study. Method: A total of 1,221 MHPs from ninety countries evaluated randomly assigned vignettes, which described patients presenting with or without RPM and with or without a co-occurring depressive or anxiety disorder. Results: Findings showed that increased diagnostic accuracy for RPM was associated with MHPs being female or having greater knowledge/experience of RPM, as well as with the absence of a mental disorder in the patient. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of providing IPV-related training programs for MHPs to (a) better identify and address IPV in mental health settings and (b) improve knowledge and understanding of the consequences of IPV for physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online counseling, an intervention that has evolved alongside technological advancements and become integrated into individuals' lives, has gained even more popularity. At this point, it is essential to investigate the acceptance and usage of online counseling by mental health professionals. This research was conducted with 35 mental health professionals (psychologists and counsellors) who provide both online and face-to-face counseling. In the study, Q methodology was used to better understand the subjective thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs of participants to understand their behaviors regarding the acceptance and use of online counseling according to the UTAUT model. As a result of the research, it was found that factors related to the acceptance and usage of online counseling were grouped into two factors for mental health professionals. The research findings indicate that mental health professionals are grouped into two factors regarding factors related to the acceptance and utilization of online counseling. It has been observed that performance expectations and facilitating conditions influence the acceptance and utilization of online counseling for participants in Factor 1, while effort expectations and facilitating conditions influence the behavior of acceptance and utilization for participants in Factor 2. Additionally, it was found that mental health professionals in Factor 1 have a more positive attitude towards online counseling, whereas those in the second group prefer face-to-face counseling over online counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of incarceration on currently and formerly confined individuals has been well documented. However, the loved ones of those incarcerated are an often-overlooked population. Specifically, the mental health challenges of those with an incarcerated loved one are often disregarded. By interviewing members of an online support group on Facebook, this study aims to amplify the voices of individuals with an incarcerated loved one and understand their perception of mental health professionals, for both themselves, as well as their incarcerated loved one through their lived experience. The theme, mental health services, encompassed the codes of repercussions, beneficial, lack of treatment, needing therapy, and efficacy. Each code will be discussed in-depth, with limitations and future directions included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals in secure psychiatric services are frequently exposed to service user distress and aggression. Consequently, staff trauma services (STS) have been developed to mitigate the detrimental impact of these experiences. Whilst the increased focus on occupational wellbeing is welcomed, such services have typically evolved in the absence of robust investigations exploring the breadth of the trauma-related needs of healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study explored the profiles of staff referred to an STS and the sequelea of physical and psychological incidents, with a view to improving understanding of need and informing the provision of STSs. Retrospective analyses of demographic characteristics, incident details and psychosocial impacts were conducted. Participants were staff from a secure psychiatric hospital who had received 1:1 support from a dedicated STS. Overall, approximately 4.6% (n = 154) of the workforce accessed the STS. Both clinical (n = 142, 92.2%) and non-clinical staff (n = 12, 7.8%) received support for physical and psychological incidents, occurring in and outside of the workplace. Compared to the general UK population, people who were referred to the STS were less likely to have social support. Staff most frequently accessed the service for work-based physical (n = 65, 42.2%) and psychological (n = 63, 40.9%) incidents. Whilst staff referred following a psychological incident were less likely to be absent from work, they presented with significantly higher levels of psychological distress. This study provides novel insight into factors associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes following trauma exposure, in an understudied occupational population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored how mental health professionals collaborate with peer supporters with mental disabilities in a community mental health institution. From January 19 to February 23, 2021, three 60 min interviews were conducted with six mental health professionals working at a Korean community center. The results were qualitatively analyzed and divided into four themes and eight categories. The four themes were the perceptions of and challenges in working with peer supporters with mental disabilities, conflict and confusion about working with peer supporters, forming partnerships with peer supporters, and policy support for peer supporters' job security. Participants reported vague anxiety about working with a peer supporter and difficulties with the trial-and-error process of adjusting to the role as challenging. Over time, however, they realized that they needed to make an effort to develop meaningful relationships with peer supporters and mental health professionals. Thus, through this study, we realized that there was a need to improve the system, such as building infrastructure for job stability for peer support workers and capacity building tailored to the mental disorders. Although peer supporters play various roles while working with mental health professionals, this study showed the possibility of mutual growth through communication and cooperation. These findings will help prepare systems necessary for collaboration between the two teams amidst the increasing institutionalization of peer support for mental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of compassion fatigue (CF) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) has been studied with a predominant focus on medical care professionals, indicating a significant presence of STS and CF among them. The present study has identified a dearth in the representation of mental healthcare professionals (MHPs), grouped by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatry nurses, and psychiatric social workers within the Indian context. Aim: To assess the degree of CF and STS and the subsequent coping mechanisms adopted by MHPs. Materials and Methods: This study followed a cross-sectional research design. There were 75 participants selected using purposive sampling and administered scales that measured CF, STS, and coping strategies adopted by the participants. Results: There is a strong presence of CF in MHPs along with problem-focused coping as the preliminary approach to STS. Participants with average or higher scores in STS had higher intrusion scores. Higher STS scores tend to have avoidant coping styles in comparison to the larger sample. Female participants indicated higher levels of CF and STS than their male counterparts. Conclusion: The study emphasizes on the immediate requirement to address and manage CF levels among the MHPs and focus on the factors that continue to aggravate STS.

IntroductionThis study was conducted on the occasion of the parricide in Bolzano (South Tyrol, Italy) in January 2021. The psychological impact of parricide on the general population and on mental health professionals has scarcely been investigated to the present day. Studies on stigmatization show differences between various groups. The aim was to analyze the emotional reactions to the parricide and the stigmatization of persons with mental disorders in the South Tyrolian population.MethodsIn September 2022, 121 mental health professionals of the Department of Psychiatry in Bolzano were surveyed using an online questionnaire. In addition, from January to March 2023, the general population of South Tyrol was invited to take part in the survey through an online-link and was divided into three groups: 267 persons with mental health problems, 855 relatives and 1,019 persons with no direct or indirect contact to people with mental problems. The validated Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) was used together with questions on the emotional reactions to the parricide and the perceived dangerousness of psychiatric patients. Descriptive statistics, one-way Anovas as well as regressions were carried out.Results and discussionAll groups experienced sadness the most. Relatives experienced more sadness and anger than the other groups. Over 80% of the professionals stated that psychiatric patients were not at greater risk of committing parricide. The population with no contact rated the risk higher than those affected and had the lowest level of openness (RIBS). There were no differences between genders, but there were age differences, with younger people being more stigmatizing. The results suggest that personal contact, appropriate information, and education are associated with less stigmatization.

The present study attempts to probe into the interactional experiences of Kolkata-based self-identified LGBT + participants (N = 10) aged between 18 and 30 years, with mental healthcare professionals in contexts of care, through a mixed-method approach. Experiences of clinical interactions in mental healthcare settings are evinced through semi-structured interviews. The bearing of such experiences upon participants' perceived relationship quality with professional, help-seeking attitudes and disclosure expectations are explored with the help of standardized questionnaires. Implicit perceptions regarding clinical relationships were studied through storytelling exercise with TAT cards 1 and 12 M. Service inconsistencies are observed to be predominant in participant narratives pointing to lack of unified affirmative services. Ambivalence in perception of therapeutic relationship is both implicitly held and explicitly self-reported, despite positive help-seeking orientation and anticipated utility of self-disclosure in the present sample. Participants sought an affirmative focus in medical training and help-delivery protocols through legal interventions and advocacy of support groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodResultsDiscussionThis article aims to discuss the gender differences among female and male mental health professionals working with domestic violence survivors. In addition, this article suggests gender is a significant variable that should be considered in domestic violence education, research, and practice.Data were collected from a sample of 175 mental health professionals who responded to quantitative and qualitative questions assessing their knowledge of DV. Data were imported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 28 which was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistical methods were employed to explore the descriptive statistics of the demographic variables. Cross-tabulation and chi-square tests were used to explore associations between variables.The findings show that gender differences exist among female and male mental health professionals’ knowledge of domestic violence. Female mental health professionals tend to have a higher awareness and understanding of domestic violence about prevalence, while male mental health professionals tend to have a higher understanding of the impact of domestic violence on racial and ethnic women and women in various age groups.The study demonstrates the need to integrate an inclusive gender analysis that examines the competency, knowledge, and skills among mental health professionals working with domestic violence survivors. A gender analysis is crucial in further exploring mental health professionals’ roles, attitudes, treatment, outcomes, and approaches to domestic violence cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to reflect on mental health professionals' experiences with online counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their perceptions and recommendations for the future. The method of qualitative research with semi-structured interviews was used. The sample consisted of 17 mental health professionals working in the public or private sectors. A framework analysis revealed four main themes, namely (a) the evaluation of online counseling; (b) comparing in-person and online counseling; (c) factors influencing the effectiveness of online counseling; and (d) suggestions for the future use of online counseling. Most therapists reported that their overall experience with online counseling was positive. The main advantages cited were the accessibility for everyone and the reductions in time, money, and distance. Its primary drawbacks included less nonverbal communication, the inability to employ certain therapeutic tools, problems with confidentiality, lack of experience, and technical difficulties during online sessions. Its effectiveness depends on contextual factors and factors related to the therapeutic process itself. Organizational planning, training, and a solid implementation strategy may help ensure that this communication medium is used to its fullest potential. In addition, the possible utilization of remote counseling combined with in-person psychotherapeutic intervention methods will provide solutions for the future, especially in crisis situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing advocacy to reduce coercive practices in mental healthcare. Little research has been done on the topic in developing countries. To explore what mental health professionals in Nigeria think about coercion, why it is used, and what contextual factors influence its use in mental healthcare services. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 doctors and 14 nurses from two psychiatric hospitals in two regions of Nigeria. The audio-recorded interviews were analyzed thematically with the aid of MAXQDA software. Three broad categories relating to the perception of, reasons for, and barriers/facilitators to the use of coercion were derived. Coercion was viewed as being for the best interests of patients, a means to an end, and effective for achieving desired outcomes. Safety was both a reason to use a coercive measure and a deterrent to using specific coercive measures thought to be unsafe. The socio-cultural context, obsolete mental health legislation, staff shortages, and attitudes were factors influencing the use of coercion in mental healthcare. Coercion was perceived to be ultimately beneficial in mental health practice. There is need for a new mental health legislation and more resources for mental health care in Nigeria to address the problem of coercion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health providers (MHPs) often lack the training necessary to provide affirmative care to queer and trans clients (Snow et al., 2019). To date, only a few empirical studies have analyzed the effectiveness of queer- and trans-affirming training for MHPs (Bettergarcia, Matsuno, & Conover, 2021), and most studies do not include a control group, limiting the empirical evidence of effectiveness. The present study used a semimatched waitlist control group design (N = 47) to test the effectiveness of the ACCEPTance training program on MHP's knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The ACCEPTance training program was an in-depth, 9-month, 45-hr training program about queer- and gender-affirming therapy. Results suggest that the ACCEPTance training program increased knowledge and skills related to queer- and trans-affirming therapy. The findings show that in-depth training on queer- and trans-affirming therapy can increase cultural competence and improve access to affirmative therapy for queer and trans individuals. Public Significance Statement: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 9-month, 45-hr, in-depth training aimed at increasing mental health providers' cultural humility and cultural competence for working with queer and trans clients. Using a waitlist control group design, results indicate that the training was effective at increasing knowledge about sexual orientation and gender diversity and increasing queer- and trans-affirmative therapy skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Academics from health professional backgrounds have a crucial role in supporting the implementation and sustainability of academic positions for experts by experience in mental health education. Perspectives and experiences of these academics have yet to be extensively explored. A deeper understanding will add to our understanding of this important role and provide guidance for academics with similar aspirations. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of supporting academic positions for experts by experience in mental health education. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was utilised. In‐depth interviews were conducted with academics who have actively supported academic positions for experts by experience. Results: Allyship was a key theme identified. Participants described allyship as complex, time‐consuming and rewarding, through three sub‐themes: the tension of allyship, the impact of being an ally and interpersonal and relational issues with health professional academics. Conclusions: Allyship was influenced by the negative attitudes of many health professional academics, who do not appreciate the value of this work. Implications for Practice: Allyship has a crucial role in enhancing experts by experience leadership in the education of health professionals. Understanding the experience of allyship will assist in further understanding and developing these important roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a long history of dissension among legal and mental health professionals about the value of child custody evaluations. Despite frequent use by the courts, the lack of adequate empirical research impedes the ability to validate the efficacy of child custody evaluations. This study investigated the overall value of court‐ordered child custody evaluations by surveying a diverse, national sample of judges to gather data regarding the usefulness, and validity of child custody evaluations. Two hundred and sixty‐eight judges from 42 states completed an anonymous survey. The results indicated that judges find information voiced by the child in question, data obtained from the parent–child observations, and collateral data obtained about the litigants as most useful. Survey findings suggested judges perceived there to be a shortage of trained evaluators and also consider child custody evaluations too expensive and too time‐consuming. Overall, judges find child custody evaluations useful and clearly desire experts to include recommendations on legal custody and parenting time schedules in their reports. Key points for the family court community: Survey results indicated that judges find information voiced by the child in question, data obtained from the parent–child observations, and collateral data obtained about the litigants as the most useful elements of child custody evaluations.Judges perceived there to be a shortage of trained child custody evaluators and also considered child custody evaluations too expensive and too time‐consuming.Judges concluded that child custody evaluations are useful and clearly desire experts to include recommendations on legal custody and parenting time schedules in their reports.Most judges reported they would exclude a child custody evaluation or parts of it if convincing evidence were presented that the evaluator did not meet legal standards or ethical guidelines, even though most had never done so.Evaluators should reexamine the focus of child custody evaluations to present more child‐centered reports to the court based on the data obtained in this study that judges want to know more about the child or children in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundIn times of war, mental health professionals are at an increased risk of developing psychological problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of conflicts or wars on mental health professionals in Palestine and their coping methods of dealing with these challenges remain unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of PTSD symptoms and strategies for coping among mental health professionals in Palestine, in light of the ongoing Gaza war and political violence.MethodsThe study utilized a cross-sectional research design. Self-reported questionnaires, including the PCL-5 and Brief COPE scales, were used to gather data. The relationship between the research variables and PTSD symptoms was investigated using frequencies, percentages, bivariate analysis, Pearson correlation, and Pearson’s chi-square test.ResultsA total of 514 participants were recruited, with an estimated prevalence of PTSD of 38.7%. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis revealed that having a prior history of trauma and feeling disabled or unable to deal with your patients during the current Gaza war and Israeli–Palestinian political violence increases the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms. In addition, using venting, self-blame, and behavioral disengagement as coping strategies increases the likelihood of developing symptoms of PTSD. Moreover, using acceptance and substance use as coping strategies reduces the risk of developing PTSD symptoms.ConclusionThe findings revealed a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms among mental health professionals during wartime and political violence. As a result, mental health professionals need immediate assistance in enhancing their mental wellbeing through supervision, psychotherapy, and comprehensive and continuous training.

ContextEngaging family members in the ongoing care of individuals with mental illness is a practice known to bolster the client’s recovery journey and enhance the overall wellbeing of both children and families involved. Despite its potential benefits, there remains a dearth of understanding surrounding the implementation of family-focused practices (FFP) by mental health professionals serving adults, as well as the factors that could either promote or hinder such practices. This knowledge gap is particularly pronounced within North American settings.GoalThe goal of this study was to identify potential hindering and enabling factors of FFP used in adult mental health services.MethodsA sample of 512 professionals working with adult mental health clients, from all regions of Quebec, Canada, with a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and working in different work settings, completed the Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire (FFMHPQ). Multinominal logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of several factors – organizational, professional, and personal – on the degree of family-based practices of mental health workers.Results and discussionFindings of this study show that the strongest predictors for the adoption of higher FFP levels among adult mental health professionals in Quebec, are being employed on a full-time basis, perceiving a higher level of skills, knowledge, and confidence toward FFP, and having a supportive workplace environment. Results underscore the need to address both organizational and worker-related aspects to effectively promote better FFP in mental health services.

IntroductionClinical psychologists in Austria shouldered a large part of the massive increase in demand for mental health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic affected their work and to gather information on how best to support the profession in the event of a crisis.MethodsN = 172 Austrian clinical psychologists participated in a cross-sectional online survey between 11 April 2022 and 31 May 2022, including both closed and open-ended questions about their work. Open-ended questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A mixed-methods analysis was conducted to test correlations between the categories derived from the qualitative analysis and professional variables.ResultsThe analyses revealed that clinical psychologists, especially those with more years of experience, perceived an increased need for clinical psychological treatment, especially for children and adolescents, a lack of coverage for clinical psychological treatment by health insurance, a change to remote treatment formats, and a number of burdens associated with complying with COVID-19 measures.DiscussionClinical psychologists reported an urgent need to increase resources in both outpatient and inpatient settings and to promote health insurance coverage. To support the clinical psychology profession in providing high-quality work in times of crisis, there is a need to facilitate more opportunities for team and peer exchange, as well as financial support in the event of loss of income.

This article is an editorial that explores the experiences of mental health professionals in psychiatric settings. It highlights the various stressors faced by these professionals and the negative impact on their well-being. The article emphasizes the need for attention to the health and well-being of mental health professionals and the lack of available data on their experiences. The editorial includes five papers that discuss different aspects of this topic, such as the impact of childhood adversity on the well-being of frontline psychiatry staff and the implementation of feedback models in psychiatric residency programs. The research aims to identify risk factors and effective strategies for supporting the mental health of mental health professionals and improving their work. [Extracted from the article]

Understanding the intention of community residents to seek help from mental health professionals (MHPs) is essential in targeting interventions that promote the prevention and treatment of depression. This study aimed to investigate the current status of Chinese community populations' depression help-seeking intentions from MHPs and explore factors influencing the intentions. Data were used from a survey conducted in a city in central China (n = 919 aged 38.68 ± 17.34, 72.1% female). Help-seeking intentions, help-seeking attitude, depression stigma, family function and depressive symptoms were measured. The total mean score on the intent to seek help from MHPs was 11.01 ± 7.78 and most of respondents were unwilling to seek professional help. Multiple linear regression showed that participants who were students, held a positive help-seeking attitude and had low personal stigma were more likely to have the intention to seek help from MHPs. It is necessary to utilize effective interventions to improve community residents' intention to seek professional help. These include promoting the importance of seeking professional assistance, optimizing the quality of mental health services and altering residents' prejudice to seeking professional help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Saudi Mental Health Care Law (SMHL) was established in 2014; however, no prior study has evaluated mental health professionals' perceptions or attitudes toward it. This cross-sectional study examines these aspects and their associated factors among psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses in Saudi Arabia (SA). The data were collected from 432 participants using an online electronic survey consisting of four sections, including the Mental Health Legislation Attitudes Scale (MHLAS). Psychiatrists comprised most participants (46.06%), followed by psychologists (36.34%). Most participants were 40 years of age or younger (83.10%). Of the 432 participants, 226 (52.31%) were females. Overall, 28.70% were unaware of the existence of the SMHL. A total of 172 (66.67%) out of 258 participants agreed that the legislation operates well in ensuring treatment for persons who require involuntary admission. There was a statistically significant association between specialty and opinions of treatment efficacy and care benefits of the SMHL (p = 0.031 and p < 0.001, respectively). Official implementation of SMHL in participants' facilities resulted in high MHLAS scores (p = 0.007). Reading or attending lectures and workshops related to the SMHL resulted in high MHLAS scores (p = 0.044 and p = 0.021, respectively). Negative opinions and uncertainty regarding the effect of SMHL on confidentiality were associated with low total MHLAS scores (p < 0.001). This study highlights the need to increase awareness of the SMHL among Saudi Arabian healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As job burnout is a world-wide phenomenon that threatens employees' wellbeing in various occupations, researchers and managers are exploring potential protective factors against burnout, such as psychological empowerment. However, the complex interplay between psychological empowerment components (i.e., self-determination and impact) and work addiction, which is also associated with burnout, remained unknown, especially among mental health professionals (MHPs) who are vulnerable to burnout. This study hence aims to (1) investigate the associations between psychological empowerment components and MHPs' burnout and (2) examine the mediating role of work addiction in such associations. A total of 199 fulltime MHPs recruited in Macao, China completed an online questionnaire survey. Results of the path analysis showed that the hypothesized mediation effects of work addiction on the associations between psychological empowerment components (i.e., self-determination and impact) and burnout were statistically significant. In the path model, work addiction was positively associated with burnout. Self-determination was negatively linked to both work addiction and burnout. Impact was positively associated with work addiction while its direct effect on burnout was nonsignificant. Under the theoretical framework of job demands-resources model, our findings revealed not only the risk-enhancing direct and mediation role of work addiction in burnout development, but also different mechanisms of specific psychological empowerment components involved in such mediation. Both the management and workers should collaboratively develop work environments that allow MHPs a high degree of autonomy, which increases self-determination, and implement workplace-based interventions that can protect MHPs from work addiction and burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy was launched by India on November 21, 2022. It was the first step toward making suicide prevention a public health priority with the aim of a 10% reduction in suicide mortality by 2030. The present article incorporates the reflections by mental health professionals in India by emphasizing on the sociocultural contexts, diversity, the training of the professionals, ethical dilemmas, the need for early intervention, and risk assessment along with a more comprehensive method of implementation of the policy.

Introduction: The stigma associated with occupational stress and burnout in mental health professionals (MHPs) is one of the major barriers to seeking psychological help in this population. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the psychological help seeking stigma scale toward occupational stress and burnout in MHPs. Method: This psychometric research was conducted on a population of counselors and psychologists in Tehran, Iran, in 2021. A total of 316 MHPs, who were selected via convenience sampling, completed the MHPSS by Clough & et al. (2020), as well as Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (1972) through Whatsapp application. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was measured to examine the internal consistency of the scale. The validity of the scale was also evaluated by calculating convergent validity and performing a confirmatory factor analysis in AMOS version 24 software. Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis revealed four factors of “structural stigma”, “self-stigma”, “perceived other stigma”, and “personal stigma”. The convergent validity of the scale with the GHQ was favorable. Regarding the reliability of the scale, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was measured to be 0.88 for the entire scale, 0.73 for structural stigma, 0.76 for self-stigma, 0.81 for perceived other stigma, and 0.85 for personal stigma. Conclusion: In this study, the validity and reliability of the MHPSS were confirmed. Overall, this tool can be used to conduct further detailed research on the MHP population due to the implicit assessment of psychological help-seeking stigma, in addition to its specific design for MHPs.

This study examines mental health service providers who provided care to evacuees during the Israel–Hamas conflict. Utilizing a phenomenological qualitative method, the research delves into the psychological impact on the participants’ lived experiences. The sample included 25 mental health providers (13 female, age range 28–63, mean 42.4, SD 7.3; 15 psychologists and 10 social worker, average seniority 10.8 years, SD 5.2, range 2–18 years). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted between December 2023 and March 2024. The data analysis revealed a dual narrative: Participants paid a major personal price and experienced secondary traumatization manifesting in emotional detachment, physical symptoms, and heightened arousal. They also derived a profound sense of meaning and fulfillment from their work, contributing to personal and professional growth. These findings underscore the complexity of their experiences, which were marked by the challenges of secondary trauma and the resilience fostered through their work. This study emphasizes the importance of support systems, including social and familial networks and professional supervision, in navigating these challenges. This study has several limitations, including small sample size and the use of virtual interviews, suggesting the need for further research with a broader participant base and in different contexts.

Abstract Introduction Volunteering has reported health benefits. However, little is known in Portugal about the views of mental health professionals and volunteers on volunteering in mental health care. Methods A qualitative secondary analysis of data from six focus groups with 28 participants was conducted in order to explore and compare the perspectives on volunteering in mental health of two stakeholders: mental health professionals and volunteers in Portugal. Results Four main themes arose: the nature of the volunteering relationship; volunteering has multiple aims; technology has potential for volunteering; and volunteering has its challenges. Although there were mostly commonalities between their views, some variability suggested that different stakeholders may consider different aspects of volunteering differently. Overall, stakeholders called for structured recruitment and support, training, defining boundaries and fighting the stigma of mental illness. Conclusion Despite the lack of volunteering tradition in mental health care in Portugal, volunteering programmes were perceived as an important resource for patients with mental illness.