TITLE:
Toward Indigenous Mental Health Systems: Integrating “Buen Vivir”, Mental Health, and Psychosocial Support*
AUTHORS:
Joseph O. Prewitt Diaz
KEYWORDS:
Indigenous Mental Health, Buen Vivir, Community-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, MHPSS, Collective Flourishing, Cultural Continuity, Intercultural Care, Decolonizing Mental Health, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Latin America and the Caribbean
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.17 No.9,
September
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) increasingly recognizes that well-being is shaped by cultural, social, historical, and environmental factors. This conceptual article proposes an integrated framework that combines Indigenous philosophies of Buen Vivir with community-based MHPSS to promote collective flourishing among Indigenous Peoples in Latin America and the Caribbean. Drawing upon interdisciplinary literature, international policy frameworks, and regional evidence, the article argues that culturally responsive mental health systems should integrate historical trauma, cultural continuity, traditional healing, ecological stewardship, community leadership, and human rights. The framework offers practical guidance for developing Indigenous-led mental health systems that strengthen resilience, self-determination, and sustainable well-being through intercultural collaboration.