High Risk Intervention Among Mental Health Practitioners in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research examines the abilities of mental health practitioners in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to recognize high-risk cases and evaluate the types of centralized guidance they rely on. An online questionnaire was sent out to mental health practitioners, and two out of three participants admitted to having faced an at risk case during their practice. It was found that the majority of participants were aware of a form of protocols, but not due to any specific guidelines or protocols set within the country; with each referring to a different source. The research findings suggest that there is a lack of knowledge, training, and reliable unified resources for mental health practitioners to return to. It also indicated the lack of upholding mental health practice standards in the field, which could lead to distrust from clients, malpractice from practitioners, and a loss of the field's credibility.