As the only mental health professional on the two missions I have participated in, I tend to take on two roles: 1) the mental health and wellness of the individuals in clinic and 2) the mental health and wellness of team members.

Given the needs of the individuals we encounter in clinics, my services tend to focus on two main categories of symptoms: depression and anxiety. I provide basic education about the symptoms and teach techniques to decrease symptoms that they can take with them and teach others in their villages. I also monitor those waiting for clinic services to identify those who may be in need of my services.

One specific example: One village we served in Madagascar had a particularly high incidence of cognitive disabilities in the community's young adult population. I provided support in how to ask questions and managed behavioral concerns of this population to those doing triage.

For team members, the dedicated individuals that participate in these missions often forget to practice self-care. This is particularly true for those who are students or non-practitioners. I often debrief particularly challenging encounters either due to serious health conditions or behavioral responses from those who come to clinic.