THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is expanding access to mental health and counselling services through the launch of its free online therapy platform, “Embrace”, which is expected to provide confidential professional support to people across Guyana.
The platform link will be made available through the Ministry’s Facebook page and website on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Embrace is intended to support persons dealing with a range of mental health and social challenges, including anxiety, depression, domestic and family violence, and abuse.
Officials have stressed, however, that the online service is designed to complement rather than replace face-to-face counselling and other forms of in-person care already available through the Government.
The distinction is particularly important for families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, for whom comprehensive on-the-ground counselling and psychosocial support have continued since the incident.
The Ministry said counsellors, social workers and psychologists remain deployed through the HEART Initiative’s regional units, with each affected family assigned dedicated social workers and mental health professionals to maintain regular contact.
Support includes home visits, targeted regional counselling hubs and telephone outreach, allowing professionals to maintain ongoing engagement with affected families.
The in-person response brings together specialists from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Health, the University of Guyana and the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers, with continued support from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
The Government’s broader approach is intended to ensure that while digital services increase access to professional mental health support, face-to-face counselling remains an important and accessible form of care, particularly for communities and individuals requiring sustained intervention.
Through Embrace, the Ministry is also drawing on the expertise of local independent providers and volunteers from the Guyanese diaspora.
These professionals are expected to contribute specialised expertise in areas including grief counselling, trauma therapy and psychological support, expanding the range of services available through the online platform.
The initiative therefore provides an additional avenue for people who may face barriers to accessing traditional counselling services, while maintaining existing systems of community-based and face-to-face support.
The Ministry said the expansion of services reflects the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen mental health support and ensure that professional counselling is available to people across Guyana through multiple channels.