Institute for Counseling and Psychotherapy celebrates 10th anniversary

The Institute for Counseling and Psychotherapy (ICP), which provides treatment for mental illnesses and works to raise awareness about mental health, has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special ceremony.

During the event, certificates were presented to recognize the valuable work of the staff, highlighting their contributions to mental health services in the Maldives.

Former Health Minister and ICP Chairperson Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, who is one of the founding members, emphasized that everyone needs to work together to provide mental health treatment to all those in need. She explained that ICP was established after she witnessed the significant need for mental health services while working in the health sector.

"When we started this, we wanted to establish a place that would provide mental health treatment in a caring and safe environment. And also to change people's perception about mental illness and encourage them to seek treatment," Dr. Shakeela said.

She noted that when ICP began its operations, there were major challenges both in providing treatment and for those seeking care.

However, over the past decade, public perception regarding mental illness in the Maldives has changed considerably, with ICP playing a significant role in this transformation, she said.

Dr. Shakeela pointed out that mental illnesses evolve with time, and the required treatments must also adapt. "We need to conduct research on changing mental health issues and illnesses and find innovative solutions with the latest technology. This can only be done by working together," she stated.

At the ceremony, ICP's Managing Director and former Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef also spoke, noting that ICP has done important work in promoting mental well-being in the Maldives. She added that what was once just an envisioned idea has become a reality, and the goal is to further expand ICP's services.

Since its founding, ICP has expanded its services beyond counseling, psychological, and psychotherapy services to include occupational therapy and speech therapy. The institute also provides mental health services and workshops to various NGOs and institutions in collaboration with different associations and individuals.

ICP is the third center to begin work in treating mental illnesses in the Maldives and conducts numerous programs to raise awareness about mental health issues in Male' and the outer atolls. It operates as a subsidiary company of SIMDI.

As the number of people seeking mental health treatment continues to increase, Dr. Shakeela emphasized that much work still needs to be done to make such treatment more accessible to everyone across the Maldives.