Utilizing dispersed mental health para-professionals for scattered Pacific islands: a micronesian experience.

A mental health program developed for the huge tropical Pacific area of Micronesia is described. Training of para-professionals as mental health coordinators for the six main island districts of Micronesia was undertaken to respond to the most pressing mental health needs of these scattered islands. Adequate follow-up care of the chronically mentally ill was the first priority with less urgent needs addressed secondarily. Frequent on-island visits by the supervising psychiatrist to teach patient-related evaluation and treatment procedures was of importance. A program with dispersed para-professional coverage and centralized supervision may have relevance for other large areas with a scattered and low population.