Recent headlines are raising important questions about the mental health of Malaysians. Depression affects an estimated 4.6% of adults in the country while the rate of mental health problems among children aged five to 16 years is at a worrying 16.5%. It is a heavy burden for the nation to bear, as poor mental health shows itself in bullying and disciplinary issues in school, in work stress and burnout, and in strained family and marital relationships. Clearly, more Malaysians are in need of mental health support than ever before.

IMU University Senior Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist Dr Serena In  who is the Vice President of Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP) shares about the increasing need for psychologists at Paving the Way for Mental Wellness (The Star, 14 September 2025).