During a recent meeting with the Minister of Health, the organization PAU (Aruban United Psychologists Association) presented an innovative and in-depth vision for the future of mental health care on our island. The main goal is to move away from outdated models and open the path toward a psychology that honors the identity and social context of the Aruban people.
Representatives of PAU, including psychologist Carolina Pieters-Janer, emphasized that they represent a significant number of psychologists in Aruba. For this organization, the challenge is not merely a legal issue, but a transformation of the care and education system itself.
Decolonization of Care
One of the most relevant points of the proposal is the need to decolonize the mental health system. According to the Aruban United Psychologists Association (PAU), Aruba has long operated under copies of European models—specifically those from the Netherlands—that do not always align with the lived reality of our region.
“We are closer to Latin America than to Europe. Geographically and culturally, we are more Latin than European,” the representatives explained.
This vision seeks to heal the wounds caused by the impact of our colonial past, recognizing that the way we feel, think, and react is deeply connected to our history and our Caribbean heritage.
More Than Just an Illness
PAU aims to break away from what it describes as a “reductionist” view that sees mental health solely as an illness to be treated in a clinic. Instead of focusing purely on the medical aspect, the proposal is to adopt an integrated and holistic approach.
Key elements of this new philosophy include:
- Identity and Autonomy: Developing a system that originates from our own cultural context.
- Comprehensive Care: Treating the whole person in their entirety, not just focusing on an isolated symptom.
- Social Understanding: Incorporating social context, culture, and heritage into psychological practice.
A Commitment to the Future
With this step, the Aruban United Psychologists Association reaffirms its commitment to stand firm for a care structure that truly serves the Aruban citizen. The organization hopes that this shift in philosophy will mark the beginning of a new era in which mental health care is more humane, more locally grounded, and, above all, more effective for the community.