Lee Lam Thye Calls For Greater Access To Psychologists In Schools

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- Schools need a stronger multidisciplinary mental health support system, with greater access to qualified psychologists alongside existing school counsellors, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The member of Mental Health Advisory Council said while counsellors continue to provide counselling, early identification, emotional support and referrals, psychologists can provide more specialised assessment and intervention for students with more complex mental health needs.

“Young people today are facing multiple pressures, including academic expectations, family problems, bullying, cyberbullying, social media pressures, online risks, relationship difficulties and uncertainty about their future. 

“Some may also experience anxiety, depression, self-harm tendencies or other psychological difficulties requiring professional assessment and intervention,” he said in a statement today.

He said there should also be a clear referral pathway between schools, psychologists, government health facilities and other appropriate mental health services, so that students requiring specialised attention do not have to wait until their problems become severe before receiving professional help.

Lee said this should include increasing the availability of psychologists in schools or through school-linked services, particularly in areas with large student populations, as well as improving the counsellor-to-student ratio to ensure counsellors are not overwhelmed by excessive caseloads and administrative responsibilities.

He also suggested that schools establish multidisciplinary mental health teams comprising counsellors, psychologists, school health personnel, teachers and, where appropriate, social workers and child psychiatrists.

“Strengthen early identification and screening, while ensuring that screening is conducted responsibly, confidentially and with appropriate professional follow-up.

“Train teachers and school administrators to recognise early warning signs of emotional distress, behavioural changes, bullying, self-harm and other mental health concerns,” he said.

Lee said schools should also improve referral and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that students referred for professional help do not fall through the cracks between schools, families and healthcare services, while engaging parents more actively, particularly in recognising problems and supporting their children.

Lee further said schools must move away from a situation where they only respond when a crisis occurs, stressing that prevention, early identification and intervention must form the foundation of school mental health support.

“Therefore, the government should consider developing a comprehensive National School Mental Health Framework with clear standards for staffing, referral, intervention, crisis response and collaboration between the education and health sectors,” he said.

-- BERNAMA