The Cambodia Association for Counsellors and Psychologists (CACP) has announced the appointment of Pich Panha as its new president for the term 2025–2030. The announcement was made public on Facebook, where Panha expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by outgoing president Heu Situl.
Panha’s appointment took effect on 19th September 2025, following an official ceremony at the Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh. In his address, he thanked his predecessor for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of members and partner organisations. “We will take those comments as ideas and a compass to help the association move forward in the future,” he said.
He also outlined his vision for the next five years, focusing on four key priorities: strengthening the professional recognition of counsellors and psychologists by the Royal Government, expanding local and international cooperation, promoting mental health research and publication, and increasing student involvement in mental health initiatives.
“The Cambodia Association for Counsellors and Psychologists is a bridge connecting professional study and practice,” Panha said. “It provides an opportunity for all members to share knowledge, experience, and strengthen professional skills in the field of mental health with the aim of helping to support people experiencing crisis and mental illness in Cambodia”.
Panha highlighted that Cambodia continues to face significant mental health challenges, citing World Health Organization findings that nearly 40% of Cambodians have experienced suicidal thoughts or other psychological distress requiring professional help. He stressed that this underscores the urgent need for qualified counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to deliver effective mental health support across the country.
Drawing inspiration from leadership author Jon Gordon, Panha added, “If we want a tree to bear abundant and good fruit, we must pay attention to taking care of the tree’s roots.” He linked this metaphor to his belief in building a strong professional foundation within CACP through capacity building, collaboration, and ethics in practice.
Under the leadership of Hoeur Sethul , the association worked to raise awareness of counselling as a recognised profession in Cambodia. His tenure saw partnerships with universities and NGOs to establish clearer ethical guidelines and training standards. Panha’s appointment represents both continuity and renewal, as he plans to build upon this groundwork while setting a forward-looking agenda.
In his speech, Panha also acknowledged support from international partners such as GIZ-Civil Peace Service Cambodia, thanking Manuel Erbenich and Hem Kea for their continued collaboration in advancing mental health initiatives.
The CACP continues to play a crucial role in Cambodia’s evolving mental health landscape by promoting professional standards, advocacy, and training opportunities. It supports collaboration between local and international stakeholders to improve access to quality psychological care across the country.
Panha concluded his address with a message of unity and compassion during the Pchum Ben festival, wishing Cambodians “safety, strength, happiness, and success in all endeavours” while encouraging solidarity among professionals in the mental health field.
