
At a recent Cabinet meeting, the Government approved the proposed name change of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence to the Department of Behavioral Health Services.
Behavioural Health is an umbrella term encompassing mental and substance use disorders and many other issues, such as gambling and sex addiction. “Behavioural Health” is the preferred term to “Mental Health,” as it focuses on how our emotions, behaviors, and biology affect a person’s mental well-being and ability to function in everyday life.
Behavioural Health means engaging in behaviors that help the individual achieve an ideal mental and physical balance through cognitive and behavioral interventions, exercising, eating a healthy diet, and taking necessary steps to manage an existing disease or injury.
What the Department offers goes beyond services in Psychiatry, Psychology, and Substance Abuse. The myriad of training workshops, seminars, presentations, and group interventions are reflective of Behavioural Health Services.
Regarding the name change, Director Dr. Alicia Malcolm stated, “As part of the Mental Health Anti-Stigma Campaign, launched in February 2023, we see this as an ideal time for the Department to rebrand who we are and what we do. We believe that changing the name and removing words like “Mental,” which in our community has been derogatory towards our clients, can help reduce stigma and feelings of shame and create a more welcoming atmosphere for persons needing help.”
To reach the Department of Behavioral Health Services, kindly contact: 338-3613 in Grand Turk or 338-4737 in Providenciales or visit www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD or https://www.gov.tc/dmhsd/.
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