The standard of care in marital and family therapeutic interventions in Saudi Arabia: A modified Delphi study on the current status and needs

There is a recognized need for identifying barriers and solutions to the currently provided marital and family therapeutic practices in the mental and social health care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This multiphase mixed method dissertation research is set to portray a systematic current account of the marital and family therapeutic practices, regarding barriers, needs, and identified solutions. Also, to explore the preparedness of the professionals delivering interventions for individual and relationally based concerns, based on their training and supervision. Further, this study set out to gain a better understanding of the sociocultural challenges for seeking help and obtaining effective help.;The first phase of the data collection was carried out by two online surveys. The first survey had 221 mental health professionals (MHPs) who gave an account of their perceptions of the meaning of marriage and family therapy (MFT), the current status of the mental health care system in KSA, satisfaction with services provided, and the significance of some of the mental health concerns. The second survey had 147 psychotherapists/MFTs participants who gave an account of their current training, supervision, personal proficiency, and their main theoretical orientations. Finally, a third study included two rounds of the modified Delphi method administered with a panel of experts from various mental health fields in KSA.;Findings from the first phase provided guidance on MHPs perceptions surrounding the meaning of "marriage and family therapy," and identified its relevance as a modality of care. Results showed that 91% of the MHPs are not satisfied with the current services available to treat relational concerns. The second survey provided inputs on the ongoing training and supervision and identified the most familiar form of training as individual case consultation supervision. In the Delphi study, panelists reached consensus around barriers related to professionals, availability of services and facilities, and collaborative care and support. Some sociocultural challenges were identified throughout the two phases. Clinical and training considerations for the future of MFTs training in KSA, general training, and professional preparedness, logistical recommendations, and future directions are discussed.