HAVING the best mental health care is what every person must consider. This is what psychologist Gabriel Lizada is trying to provide - to help, to serve, and to inspire people by promoting healthy well-being.
"At the end of the day, all mental health professionals want to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of everyone. We do not want to put ourselves as special or above the rest," Lizada said.
From being an observant to an advocate — he is now one of the co-owners and one of the resident psychologists of Olive Branch Wellness Center, located at Clinic 236, Anda Riverview Medical Center Inc., (Formerly CHDC Hospital) A.Pichon Street, Davao City.
Lizada is a graduate of BS Psychology in one of the universities in Davao City and obtained Masters of Counseling at the University of Melbourne and Masters of Psychology in Ateneo de Davao University in 2022.
During his study overseas, he said he realized how Davao City should cater to the mental health needs of the community.
"When I got back home to the Philippines, I realized what is lacking in our community in Davao City — I think it is two-fold, one is awareness, many do not know what mental health is... and the other is providing services, you are aware that you have a problem, but you don't know where to go," Lizada said.
The licensed psychologist said he saw how accessible mental health is in Australia - where he got his Masters has all the initiatives in place such as mental hotlines and several clinics.
With this, he brought his learnings with him as he collaborated with his colleagues to form a psychological center that opened last June.
One of their goals that he also believes in is there is no need "to be on top or to be the best" in giving mental health services.
"Gusto namin na help is there right away, mabigyan ng immediate, timely service ang mga Dabawenyos (We intend to give immediate and timely mental health services to all Dabawenyos)," Lizada said.
Lizada said he and his colleagues are dedicated to serving diverse communities and fostering inclusivity within his practice.
He also said it's the best feeling when after a session, weeks, and months of therapy, there is hope and improvement for his clients.
"I've had sessions where during their first session, they [clients] cried a lot, but after three to four months, we just laugh about it," Lizada said.
However, he emphasizes as a psychologist, he is there as a guide, and not to impose what their clients should do.
"But again, much of the success is applying things that you have learned in session to your everyday life when no one is looking," Lizada said.
In his sessions, he ensures cultural sensitivity and awareness are at the forefront of every interaction, recognizing the importance of tailoring therapy approaches to honor and respect individual experiences.
He also gave credit to the people and his mentors who were there to help put him where he is right now, especially to his co-psychologists in his clinic and those in the academe back in the days.
If there's one thing he wants everyone to know, it is "mental health should matter to everyone" and the stigma of seeing mental health professionals must be combatted.
"Whatever emotions you feel, it's valid... and I don't want you to go to mental health professionals thinking na pumunta kayo kasi malala na, malaki na iyong problema (because you have a big problem)," Lizada said.
"I want you to think of it as if I need someone to talk to whether my problem is big, or small, I can go to mental health professionals," Lizada added. ICE
