Models for psychosocial services in the developed and developing world

Summary.  This paper is based on the assumption that psychosocial services can add important mental and social dimensions to the traditional concepts of help and medicine. Peer support which has been established world-wide for people with haemophilia and their families is invaluable and irreplaceable. However the role of the professional psychosocial worker is underutilized in most countries, mostly because of lack of financial resources. This paper will argue that skilled workers can assist individuals and groups to reach their full potential in a variety of creative and non-threatening ways. Psychosocial workers have strict codes of conduct and requirements relating to accreditation to ensure accountability in their work. They can work in a variety of individual roles and have a wide range of individual mandates within work settings.