The start of the Syrian civil war in 2011 disrupted much of the country’s general infrastructure, causing mass internal and external displacement of the Syrian population (Hessan et al., 2016). Mental health services are sparse within the country, although it is in high demand. Prior to the war, there were an estimated 100 psychiatrists in the country, half of which have likely left (Bradford, 2017). In northwest Syria, there are only two psychiatrists for over three million people (World Health Organization, 2019). Unfortunately, as the crisis in Syria persists, main resources such as food and medical care supersede the provision of mental healthcare.
Counselling is likely provided by psychiatrists as there is a lack of information on any other type of mental health professionals within the country. Much of the information on counselling in regard to Syria has been articles on counselling for Syrian refugees in other Middle Eastern and European countries. A comprehensive history on the counselling profession in Syria at the moment is not available.