Yet, the country severely lacks clinical psychologists to treat such patients, said Penang Institute policy analyst Lim Su Lin.
She said she based her facts on the 1996 and 2015 National Health and Morbidity Surveys.
“In 2015, 4.2 million, or one out of three Malaysians, were affected by mental health problems, a three-fold increase from 1996.
“In 2015, mental health problems were widespread among Malaysians particularly in Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Sabah, Labuan and Sarawak,” she said at a forum, Bridging Barriers: Improving Access to Mental Healthcare, organised by the Penang Institute here yesterday.
In relation to these problems, she said suicide cases in the country were also on the rise despite many cases not being reported.
“Treatment can be sought at hospitals, healthcare clinics and psychiatric institutions.
“Government specialist mental health services are predominantly based at public hospitals but some states are under-served.
“The number of psychiatrists has increased in recent years but the psychiatrist-to-population ratio has only increased marginally
“There is a critical shortage of clinical psychologists in Malaysia and very few are with government mental health services. There are only 92 clinical psychologists in the country.
“The health ministry should take note of these issues and ensure a proper quota of psychologists that is sufficient for the country.
“Increase the number of training programmes as an immediate solution to solve the lack of clinical psychologists.”
Also speaking at the forum were Malaysian Mental Health Association honorary secretary-general Dr Ang Kim Teng and clinical psychologist and founder of Relate Malaysia Dr Chua Sook Ning.
The forum focused on mental illness as a public health concern.
The forum explored the limited availability of mental health specialists in government hospitals and high fees in the private sector.
Rural areas suffer the most and there are cases of misdiagnosis as well as most government hospitals are over-crowded.
Also brought up was the stigma and negative public attitude associated with mental health.
As a result, the mentally ill suffer unnecessary shame and become discouraged in seeking help.
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