In Vietnam, the World Health Organization reports that approximately 15 million individuals are grappling with mental disorders, accounting for nearly 14.9% of the population. This prevalence aligns with global averages, yet the country faces a stark challenge: for every 100,000 citizens, there are only 0.91 psychiatrists or psychologists available, marking one of the lowest ratios worldwide. In contrast, Singapore boasts 3.48 professionals per 100,000 people, while the United States has 12.4.

Access to adequate mental health services remains elusive for many affected individuals. Only 29% of those suffering from mental disorders, and about one-third of those diagnosed with depression, receive formal mental health support in Vietnam. Predominantly, treatment modalities are limited to pharmacological interventions, with insufficient emphasis on counseling or psychotherapy.

Recognizing this critical gap, Merijn Mattheijssen founded Psychologist Vietnam in 2020. The driving conviction behind this initiative is the evidence-supported belief that numerous mental health conditions are amenable to non-pharmacological treatments. Although Psychologist Vietnam is a relatively new entity, we take immense pride in having already made a significant impact, offering quality counseling services to countless individuals and families across Vietnam, thereby enhancing their mental well-being.