National Center for Mental Health Promotion

The National Center for Mental Health Promotion (NCMHP) is a Saudi national center based in the capital, Riyadh. It is dedicated to promoting mental health by assisting mental patients and their families in accessing therapeutic and rehabilitation services. It aims to raise awareness about mental illnesses, provide guidance on how to cope with them, and dispel misconceptions associated with mental health. NCMHP achieves this through coordination with relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations with shared interests.    

NCMHP was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers in 2009 and was initially named the National Committee for Mental Health Promotion. It was later changed to the NCMHP following another decision of the Council of Ministers in 2019. NCMHP operates with financial and administrative independence and is organizationally affiliated with the Ministry of Health. 

The board of directors of the NCMHP is presided over by the Minister of Health. It comprises thirteen member entities, encompassing eight ministries: interior, education, sports, justice, media, health, human resources and social development, as well as Islamic affairs, dawah, and guidance. Additionally, it includes the Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation, Saudi Psychiatric Association, Saudi Schizophrenia Charitable Association, and Federation of Saudi Chambers.

NCMHP's board of directors is responsible for formulating public policies in accordance with NCMHP's basic regulations, consisting of thirteen articles. The board approves the action plan pertaining to NCMHP's operations, as well as the plans and programs to which it adheres. The board is also responsible for reviewing the regulations and instructions applied in mental health promotion and proposing amendments or measures that contribute to raising the psychological and social rehabilitation level of mental patients. Additionally, the board approves the financial compensation for the services provided by NCMHP.

NCMHP collaborates with relevant entities to formulate national policies on mental health. It seeks to improve and develop provided mental health services, facilitate access to necessary support for targeted segments, and prioritize the groups most vulnerable to mental disorders. It proposes or adopts awareness programs that align with emerging social changes that impact mental health.

NCMHP monitors phenomena and issues related to mental health, collaborates with health, educational, and research entities in the field of mental health, both within and outside the Kingdom, and works on developing and enhancing the skills of mental health service providers.

NCMHP offers several initiatives, programs, and awards, including the Your Psychological Guide Application initiative that serves as a reliable source for those in need of mental health services, the National Center for Mental Health Promotion Award, the Initial Psychological Assistance Program, the Mental Health Promotion Initiative in the Work Environment, and Qareboon app that contains an integrated library on mental health.