Understanding provider stigma among Filipino mental health professionals

• Main Author: Pantaleon, Jaymee Abigail K.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2025
• Subjects: Mental health personnel—Philippines; Stigma (Social psychology)—Philippines; Mental health services—Philippines; Mental and Social Health
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdd_counseling/14; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etdd_counseling/article/1022/viewcontent/2025_Pantaleon_Understanding_Provider_Stigma_among_Filipino_Mental_Health_Profes.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study explored the perceptions of Filipino mental health professionals toward provider stigma. It utilized a qualitative descriptive design through in-depth interviews to capture the perspectives and worldviews of 60 Filipino mental health professionals regarding provider stigma in the Philippines. The results report that there exists provider stigma among Filipino Mental Health Professionals. Provider stigma is also implicit, unintentional, and pervasive; its manifestations can range from aversive to avoidance behaviors, including unwarranted referrals and terminations in therapy. The identified reasons behind provider stigma can stem from negative beliefs and cognitions evident in behavior, professional and academic training gaps, and the influence of the work environment on provider stigma. The implications of provider stigma in case management were also discussed, impacting case conceptualization all the way to intervention planning and treatment. Ways to mitigate stigma in all areas, from the mental health professional to reviewing academic and training programs on institutional reforms, were recommended through this study.