Addressing Uneven Distribution of Mental Health Professionals
This strategic initiative aims to reinforce community-level psychiatric care by embedding specialized personnel within the local Puskesmas network. Banten Health Agency Chief Ati Paramudji Hastuti announced the strategy during the regional conference of the Indonesian Clinical Psychologist Association on Sunday, emphasizing the need for mental healthcare integration.
Currently, the agency is mapping out regional requirements across eight regencies and cities to optimize deployment based on the availability of local medical infrastructure. Data reveals that Banten currently hosts roughly 200 active clinical psychologists, but the vast majority remain concentrated heavily within the affluent Tangerang Raya area.
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Once deployed, these professionals will manage early mental health screenings, general consultations, and preliminary treatments for conditions like anxiety and clinical depression. To maintain medical standards, the agency strictly mandates that all practicing practitioners possess a formal Registration Certificate and valid practice licenses.
Sake Pramawisakti, head of the provincial branch of the Indonesian Clinical Psychologist Association, noted that while their organization registers 291 active members, the western and southern districts of Banten still face severe shortages. This expanding network will systematically bridge that geographical gap to offer equitable healthcare access.