Mental Health Care in Oman: Current Landscape, Challenges, and Future Directions
摘要
This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of mental health care in Oman, commencing with a historical analysis of service development and an evaluation of the current epidemiological burden of mental health disease across various demographic groups. It subsequently identifies the strengths of mental health care in Oman, followed by the barriers to effective care delivery, including limitations in treatment options and polypharmacy, the lack of dedicated mental health legislation, high out-of-pocket expenses, stigma, as well as sociocultural constraints. The chapter then proposes six strategic pillars designed to facilitate reform: Research and Evidence-Informed Policy; Workforce Development and Retention; Expansion of Community-Based Mental Health Services; Digital Mental Health and Telepsychiatry; Policy and Implementation of Mental Health Legislation in Oman; and Promotion of Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Reduction. This chapter outlines culturally sensitive, integrated strategies, offering a framework for policymakers and practitioners to enhance access, quality, and sustainability of mental health care across Oman.