The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MoHW), in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched a new training initiative aimed at strengthening mental health services for children and adolescents in Belize. The program focuses on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a widely recognised psychological approach used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioural issues in young people.
The training is designed to equip frontline professionals, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, social workers, and school counsellors, with the tools needed to recognise early signs of mental distress and apply basic CBT techniques. By building the capacity of those working directly with children and adolescents, the Ministry hopes to expand early intervention efforts and promote resilience in youth facing emotional challenges.
Facilitated by Dr. Susanna Mitchell Hoy, a leading child psychologist at the MoHW, the sessions brought together key stakeholders from across the public sector. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
Officials say the training reflects a whole-of-government approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in improving outcomes for Belize’s youth. It also aligns with national efforts to create a child-centered mental health system that is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in community-based care.