Phenomenological Exploration on Care Practices of Filipino Non-Practicing Mental Health Professionals Towards Mental Health Users

The increasing prevalence of mental health concerns in the Philippines underscores the need for innovative strategies to support psychological well-being, particularly in contexts with limited access to clinical professionals. This qualitative case study explored the care practices of non-practicing mental health professionals and the factors influencing their decisions not to pursue clinical roles. Ten participants were purposively selected, all holding valid professional credentials and working in education, research, or community outreach. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns in participants' experiences. Findings revealed two primary barriers to clinical practice: practical needs, such as financial responsibilities and family obligations, and career efficiency, which reflects the lengthy, resource-intensive pathways and limited incentives in the profession. Participants' care practices were captured in themes: Insightful Engagement, Ethical Reservation Establishment, Reverence for Choices, Practical Wisdom Application, and Compassionate Resonance. These themes illustrate how non-practicing professionals provide meaningful support through ethical guidance, relational presence, and contextual wisdom, extending care beyond formal clinical settings. Limitations include the small, context-specific sample, reliance on self-reported data, and exclusion of actively practicing professionals. Recommendations highlight the importance of institutional support, targeted training programs, integration of mental health literacy in educational curricula, and community-based initiatives to leverage non-practicing professionals' skills. This study contributes to understanding alternative pathways for promoting mental health, emphasizing the role of non-clinical professionals in bridging service gaps and fostering empathetic, ethical, and context-sensitive care.