Welcome to the Directorate for Social Change & Mental Health Services (DSCMHS). We are the National Authority for Mental Health in Papua New Guinea, operating with a clear and powerful mandate under the Mental Health Act 2015. Our name reflects our dual purpose: to provide world-class clinical mental health care while simultaneously driving the social transformation needed to break stigma and build a healthier, more resilient nation.
Our Mission
To lead and coordinate comprehensive, accessible mental health services across Papua New Guinea, while championing social change through advocacy, education, and policy reform. We are dedicated to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of every citizen.
Our Vision
A Papua New Guinea where mental wellness is understood, prioritized, and supported at every level of society—from the family home to the highest offices of government.
Who We Are & What We Do
As the statutory body mandated by the Mental Health Act 2015, we are responsible for shaping the national mental health landscape. Our work goes far beyond the clinic:
· Clinical Services & Referrals: We oversee the national mental health referral network, ensuring that every province has access to qualified professionals, emergency crisis intervention, and inpatient/outpatient care.
· Social Change & Advocacy: We actively work to dismantle the deep-rooted cultural stigmas surrounding mental illness. Through community outreach, school programs, and public campaigns, we advocate for a society that treats mental health with the same urgency as physical health.
· Policy & Legislation: We are the custodians of the Mental Health Act 2015. We guide national policy, protect patient rights, and ensure that mental health remains a priority on the national development agenda.
· Workforce Development: We train and support healthcare workers, community health volunteers, and social workers to ensure that frontline responders have the skills to identify and manage mental health conditions effectively.
Our Core Values
Everything we do is guided by these principles:
· Compassion: We treat every individual with empathy, respect, and dignity, understanding that mental health struggles are a shared human experience.
· Integrity: We operate with transparency and accountability, upholding the legal and ethical standards set by the Mental Health Act 2015.
· Inclusivity: We serve all citizens of Papua New Guinea, regardless of location, language, or background. We believe mental health support is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
· Innovation: We embrace evidence-based practices and modern approaches to mental health, adapting global best practices to our unique PNG context.
Our Commitment to Papua New Guinea
We recognize that mental health is deeply connected to the social fabric of our nation. Poverty, gender-based violence, urbanization, and cultural dislocation all impact mental wellness. Therefore, our approach is holistic. We don’t just treat symptoms; we address the social determinants of mental illness by partnering with communities, churches, NGOs, and other government agencies to foster lasting social change.
Get in Touch
We are here to serve you. Whether you are a patient, a family member, a community leader, or a partner organization, we welcome your engagement. Together, we can build a Papua New Guinea where everyone has the opportunity to thrive mentally and socially.
