PSYCHOLOGISTS IN St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have decided to launch themselves into a national body later this month.

“As we reflect globally and locally on the myriad situations – including the pandemic, the impact of the war in the Ukraine and the eruption of La Soufriere – that give rise to mental health afflictions, if ever there were a time for a type of society like this ..it is now,” states Sharlene Morris, President of the SVG Association of Counsellors as she announced the upcoming launch of the SVG National Psychological Society, carded for September 21.

“Love for our country drives us to respond in a way that can be helpful to affected persons. This association will act as both a directory and regulatory body of trained psychologists who will join forces to assist our local population” she added.

Morris advised that the soon to be launched SVG National Psychological Society is a member of the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations (CANPA), a release from the grouping states.

The society was formed by a committee of psychological professionals from The SVG Association of Counsellors comprising Sharlene Morris,Chair; Kimberley Cambridge; Jozelle Miller; Kimmette Robertson; Odelia Thomas; Andrea Gaymes-Mohess; and Ellicia Matthews.

The society will promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge of psychology and act as the main professional association representing trained psychological professionals in SVG.

It aims to improve and enhance the mental health profile of citizens through education and psychotherapeutic interventions.

The official launch of the SVG National Psychological Society will be held at the NIS conference room from 10:00 a.m to noon and will have as the feature speaker, Dr Alisa Alvis. She is a visiting Assistant Professor at the St George’s University of Grenada and CEO and Clinical Director of Alvis and Associates.