Towards an integrated and accessible mental healthcare system in Timor-Leste

Abstract

This chapter explores diverse understandings of health and healing in Timor-Leste and considers how the play out in the context of mental health. It identifies the range of customary and religious faith-based healers and healing practices commonly consulted by patients with mental illness and their families. The chapter discusses how might customary, other religious and clinical approaches to mental health be woven together to improve equitable access to culturally competent and context-appropriate health services. Primary healthcare doctors and nurses are authorised to prescribe and/or renew prescriptions for some psychotherapeutic medicines. Primary healthcare nurses with mental health tra..