Mental health care in settings where mental health resources are limited

WONCA has been informed that a recently published handbook, “Mental Health Care in Settings Where Mental Health Resources are Limited” by Pamela Smith MD, is able to be made available to family doctors electronically. Thanks to the generosity of the author for this permission.

The author is a psychiatrist and former UCLA Medical School faculty member who has coordinated training projects in association with WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, and other humanitarian aid organizations. The handbook is written specifically for GPs and Family Practice physicians who encounter individuals suffering from mental distress and have little or no access to mental health professionals, services, or resources.

The guide addresses conditions recognized globally such as depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, child & adolescent issues, violence, and HIV/AIDS & mental health. Insights on the recent state of mental health worldwide and the means for increasing access to care in resource-limited areas are provided as well.

The book may be viewed and purchased in hardcopy here.

Family doctors may download the following for free:

English version (complete e-book)

abridged French

abridged Arabic