A Case Study on the Mental Health Services of the Davao Del Norte Teen Tambayan

Abstract

This qualitative case study focuses on mental health care of the Davao del Norte Teen Tambayan Hub and its role in solving the psychosocial problems of adolescents in Tagum City, Panabo City and in the Island Garden City of Samal. The Hub, which is implemented via the Executive order No. 18, Series of 2022, is a community-based, adolescent-friendly unit that provides psychosocial services, fundamental mental health education, and peer-based interventions. Through the prism of the Youth Empowerment Theory, Social Capital Theory and community health frameworks, the research conducted a focus group discussion with 15 peer educators to address Hub programs, strategies, challenges and how better they could improve their operations. The thematic analysis indicated that the Hub enhances help-seeking behavior, reinforces the peer support system, and facilitates the youth to engage in mental health advocacy via campus-based programs, collaboration with stakeholders, and holistic care strategies. In spite of these advantages, the study also noted the sustainability barriers including limited funds, irregular LGU participation, cultural stigma, and participant facilitation structures based on volunteers. The results demonstrate the need to support and invest in community-based youth mental health through multi-sectoral support and culturally responsive interventions in the long term. The recommendation is put down on the way policy makers, educators and local leaders can improve on the current initiatives and adopt successful models in similar underprivileged environments.