The expansion of MindLink to the Philippines is a deliberate and values-driven decision, rooted in shared realities, regional responsibility, and a commitment to improving access to mental health services across Southeast Asia. Many candidates and partners have asked “Why the Philippines?” This article aims to answer that question transparently.
Shared Mental Health Challenges: Indonesia and the Philippines
Indonesia and the Philippines face remarkably similar mental health challenges. In both countries, mental health concerns are still surrounded by stigma, making individuals hesitant to seek professional help. The cost of mental health services remains relatively high for the general population, while accessibility—especially outside major urban areas—continues to be a significant barrier.
These similarities create not only shared problems, but also shared opportunities for collaboration, learning, and regional solutions.
Limited Number of Mental Health Professionals
According to available data, the Philippines has approximately 2,350 Registered Psychologists and 5,001 Registered Guidance Counselors serving a population of more than 112 million people. This ratio highlights a critical gap between mental health needs and available professional support.
In geographically fragmented regions such as island provinces, this shortage becomes even more pronounced, further limiting access to mental health care for many communities.
Regulatory Realities and Accessibility Concerns
The Philippines has taken important steps to regulate psychological practice through Republic Act No. 10029 (Philippine Psychology Act of 2009). However, its implementation—particularly Resolution No. 4, Series of 2013, which enforces Section 33(B)—introduces new accessibility challenges.
The regulation requires that a psychology or psychometrics office, center, clinic, or facility must be operated by a registered and licensed psychologist with a master’s degree, at least seven years of professional experience, and three years in a supervisory capacity.
While this regulation ensures quality and ethical standards, it may unintentionally limit service availability—especially in remote islands and underserved areas where such highly qualified professionals are scarce. The question then arises: How can citizens in these regions access mental health services equitably?
Challenges Faced by Newly Licensed Psychologists and Fresh Graduates
Another critical issue lies in professional development. Newly licensed psychologists and fresh graduates often struggle to access structured programs for self-development, mentoring, and personal branding. Yet, beyond technical competence, exposure, confidence, and professional visibility are essential for sustainable careers in mental health.
Without adequate platforms, many capable professionals are left underutilized, while communities continue to experience service gaps.
Bringing a Collaborative Perspective from Indonesia
MindLink does not enter the Philippines to compete, but to collaborate. We bring a perspective shaped by Indonesian experience—one that emphasizes community-based approaches, digital accessibility, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
We believe that waiting for change to come solely from existing systems can take years, or even decades. Instead, we choose to act, to facilitate dialogue, and to co-create solutions with Filipino professionals, institutions, and communities. This expansion is about accommodation, facilitation, and collective problem-solving, not replacement or rivalry.
Proven Experience Since 2019
MindLink Philippines is built upon the foundation of Berbagi Cerita Indonesia (BCI), which has been operating since 2019. Through years of experience, BCI has worked with thousands of clients, hundreds of mental health professionals, and diverse community programs—both online and offline.
Our long-term vision goes beyond the Philippines. We aim to carry this message and collaborative model across ASEAN, particularly to Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, and other developing countries where mental health workforces and systems are still evolving.
Moving Forward Together
Expanding to the Philippines is not merely geographic growth—it is a commitment to regional solidarity in mental health. By sharing experiences, addressing structural gaps, and empowering both communities and professionals, MindLink hopes to contribute meaningfully to a more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable mental health ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
Because meaningful change does not happen in isolation—it grows through collaboration, courage, and shared responsibility.
