PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TOWARD MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Mental health recovery involves both clinical and personal dimensions, yet little is known about how mental healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan perceive and practice recovery-oriented care. Given Kazakhstan’s unique cultural and systemic context, understanding these perceptions is essential to address persistent stigma, systemic barriers, and reliance on traditional healing practices.

This qualitative study explores the attitudes and perceptions of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers) toward mental health recovery. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study identified differing recovery concepts among professionals, significant systemic and cultural barriers, and critical facilitators such as family support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient empowerment.

These findings underline the urgent need for culturally sensitive reforms and integrated recovery-oriented frameworks within Kazakhstan’s mental healthcare system.