The movement for global mental health (MGMH) has been initiated to improve mental health care services in countries where such services are scarce. However, one of the criticisms of the MGMH is its’ overemphasis on Western mental health approaches that may not be generalized to other cultures, particularly those in developing and non-Western countries. This article aims to examine the importance of recognizing local idioms of distress, and integrating indigenous healing systems into mental health care by using Asia as a case example.
