Journey to Liberia: Carter Center Staffer Reflects on Country’s Mental Health Needs, New Initiative

After more than a decade of civil conflict, many Liberians suffer from trauma, depression, and other mental health issues. The current demand for services is impossible to meet with only one psychiatrist in the entire country and only a handful of nurses with mental health training. Jane Bigham, assistant program coordinator for the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program, recently traveled to Liberia to help launch a new five-year initiative and to assist the Liberian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in the development and training of a mental health workforce.