A Review of Mental Health Services in Tibetan Society: The Symbiosis of Tibetan Buddhism and Western Psychology Approaches

This paper first explores the prevalence of mood disorders, specifically depression and anxiety, within the Tibetan Plateau. It highlights the risk factors contributing to these conditions and assesses the current mental health services available, noting their interplay with Tibetan Buddhism within local populations. Additionally, it provides an overview of Tibetan traditional medicine, rooted in Buddhist principles, and compares it with Western psychiatric practices, revealing both differences and potential compatibility between the two approaches. Finally, the paper discusses existing treatments that integrate both approaches and proposes future directions for their combined use. This synergized strategy holds the potential to significantly advance global mental health and offer substantial benefits to mental health care in the Tibetan community.