Advancing Community Mental Health Programs: The Collaborative Efforts of Social Workers and Health Assistants Under Saudi Vision 2030

Abstract

Community mental health is a critical component of the healthcare system, and its importance has been increasingly recognized in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of the Vision 2030 goals for improving the quality of life and well-being of the population. Social workers and health assistants play vital roles in the delivery of community mental health services, but their collaborative efforts and contributions are often understudied. This systematic review aims to explore the collaborative roles of social workers and health assistants in advancing community mental health programs in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, and Saudi Digital Library, was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords related to social workers, health assistants, community mental health, and Saudi Arabia. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings highlight the diverse and complementary roles of social workers and health assistants in various aspects of community mental health programs, such as assessment, case management, psychosocial interventions, and community outreach. Key factors influencing the effectiveness of social worker-health assistant collaborations include communication, role clarity, resource availability, and organizational support. The review also identifies challenges and barriers to the advancement of community mental health programs in Saudi Arabia, such as stigma, limited access, workforce shortages, and fragmented services. The findings of this review have significant implications for mental health practice, policy, and research in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for strategic initiatives to support the collaborative efforts of social workers and health assistants in delivering accessible, effective, and culturally responsive community mental health services under Vision 2030.