Psychiatry

Since its inception in 1997, the Psychiatry Department at JDWNRH has been pivotal in establishing mental health services across Bhutan, serving as the central hub for psychiatric treatment, training, and program development. With a mission to provide comprehensive mental health care, the department offers both outpatient and inpatient services, including specialized programs for alcohol and substance dependency, psychotherapy, and counseling.

Located near the Health Help Centre, the Psychiatry Department remains committed to supporting the mental well-being of the Bhutanese people through accessible and specialized care, education, and rehabilitation programs.

Vision
  • To be a leading center for mental health care in Bhutan, promoting healing, resilience, and compassionate support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
  • To deliver compassionate and accessible mental health services to the Bhutanese community.
  • To provide specialized training and education in mental health care for healthcare professionals.
  • To collaborate with national programs to improve mental health awareness and services throughout the country.
  • Compassion: Offering empathetic and supportive care.
  • Excellence: Ensuring high standards in mental health treatment and training.
  • Community: Advocating for mental health awareness and inclusive care.
  • Growth: Encouraging continuous learning and improvement in mental health services.

The Psychiatry Department offers a wide array of mental health services and programs, including:

Outpatient Services

  • Daily OPD for psychiatric cases, including alcohol and substance dependence treatment.
  • Walk-in services available on all working days with no prior appointment required.
  • OPD services expanded in 2010 to include psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, and counseling.

Inpatient Services

  • Psychiatry and Detoxification Ward: Expanded to 20 beds in 2018, with 10 dedicated to general psychiatry and 10 for alcohol and substance detoxification.
  • Offers ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) for selected cases that are non-responsive to other therapies.

Structured Programs

  • Meditation and mindfulness sessions, anxiety group programs, relaxation and breathing exercises, art and occupational therapy, individual and family counseling.
  • Specialized clinics include alcohol Antabuse treatment, oral substitution therapy for opiate dependence, and support groups like AA and NA meetings.

Specialized Treatment and Support

  • Psychotropic Medication: Available through the National Mental Health Program and provided free of charge.
  • Technical Assistance: Guidance and support for peripheral health centers to address mental health needs across Bhutan.
  • General Psychiatry
  • Alcohol and Substance Dependence
  • Anxiety, Mood, and Personality Disorders
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • Specialized Support for Co-occurring Physical and Mental Health Conditions

As a teaching affiliate of the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, the Psychiatry Department conducts comprehensive training programs, including:

  • Clinical attachments for nursing and allied health students.
  • Clinical Counseling training and in-service health worker training.
  • Psychiatry internships for recent medical graduates.
  • Training sessions for student and in-service counselors from various agencies.

The department also collaborates with international organizations, hosting volunteers from the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia to help train staff and enhance the quality of care.

The department is committed to expanding its services and improving mental health accessibility across Bhutan, including:

  • Starting a postgraduate psychiatry residency program in collaboration with international institutions.
  • Plans to establish a 50-bed detoxification and long-term mental health rehabilitation facility at Gidakom Hospital.
  • Upcoming launch of a dedicated child psychiatry clinic.
  • Continued support for the National Mental Health Program to raise awareness and provide mental health training nationwide.

The Psychiatry Department pledges to uphold a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging healing, resilience, and well-being for all individuals who seek its services.

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