Mental Health Response Community Training: Analysis of Viet Nam Cultural Values and Behaviors

Nguyen Thi Minh  Hien

doi:10.52006/main.v8i2.1341

Nguyen Thi Minh Hien Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Dalat University, Vietnam

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52006/main.v8i2.1341

Keywords: mental health crisis, assessment, cultural appropriateness

Abstract

Despite Vietnam’s economic growth, the nation faces a critical shortage of mental health services, with only 143 clinicians available for the 14 million people suffering from disorders. Addressing this gap, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a pioneer two-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training at Da Lat University. Analysis of pre- and post-training data from 55 participants demonstrated significant gains in clinical knowledge, assessment capabilities, and crisis intervention skills, particularly regarding depression and suicide. The enthusiasm for this first-of-its-kind initiative confirms the high value of expanding MHFA in Vietnam; however, future implementation requires ongoing evaluation to ensure the curriculum remains culturally responsive to local beliefs and norms that influence help-seeking behaviors.