Counselling Psychologist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology, Dr. Cecilia Tutu-Danquah has urged Ghanaians to patronize and encourage others to seek mental healthcare from certified mental health practitioners when need be.
According to her, most Ghanaians shy away from seeking mental healthcare because of stigma and society’s view of mental health.
In order to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health, a concerted effort should be made to prevent the shaming of those who seek mental health care.
“In Ghana, patients shy away from seeking help from professional mental health practitioners because of the concepts most people have about mental health and also because they fear being tagged mad. However, that should not be the case. We must end shaming people over seeking for mental health treatment,” she said while speaking with the media at a graduation ceremony organized by TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology.
She added, “Instead of shaming, we must encourage them and even those of us who think we are normal, to periodically seek mental healthcare. This way, people would be comforting walking into mental health facilities for assistance.”
Dr. Tutu-Danquah also advocated for the employment of mental health specialist at schools, churches and workplace to make mental healthcare accessible to all.
She explained, “We have a lot of mental health professionals around, I have always maintained that the Ministry of Education, our churches and even employers must employ professional counsellors and psychologist to cater for the mental health needs of their people.”
Dr. Cecilia Tutu-Danquah is the founder of TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology (TICT).
The institute was founded in 2013, and was duly registered with the Registrar General Department of Ghana in 2015.
The name TUCEE stands for Transforming our Universe via Counselling, Education and Empowerment.
TICT seeks to promote the counselling profession and I.T. through high quality training and research.
