Abstract

This qualitative research project is a preliminary investigation into some of the key mental health issues and the services currently available to children in Caracas, Venezuela. It attempts to identify potential links between mental health practice and issues in Venezuela and the field of creative arts therapies. This line of inquiry was addressed through semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals in Caracas from March through to July of 2005. The subsequent data analysis was informed by phenomenological theory as developed by J.A. Smith and Giorgi & Giorgi (2003). Given the highly preliminary nature of this inquiry, the phenomenological orientation has been chosen for its inclination towards discovery rather than explanation (Giorgi & Giorgi, 2003). This manuscript summarizes some of the principal themes that emerged from interviews across the public, private and non-profit mental health service sectors. This includes summary of the main issues that present for treatment and some of the services currently available in Caracas. Treatment programs featuring creative arts treatment modalities and several socio-political factors affecting mental health are also highlighted.