Seychelles appoints Beryl Naiken as first Secretary of State for Mental Health Care

SEYCHELLES—The Office of the President of Seychelles has officially announced the appointment of Mrs. Beryl Naiken to serve as the nation’s Secretary of State for Mental Health Care.

This significant appointment marks a new chapter in the country’s approach to mental health services and policy development.

Mrs. Naiken brings impressive academic credentials to her new role.

She earned a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling from the University of Adelaide in Australia, demonstrating her commitment to advanced clinical expertise.

Additionally, she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology at Edith Cowan University, further strengthening her theoretical and practical foundation in the field.

Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Relationship Dynamics, reflecting her ongoing dedication to deepening her understanding of human psychological processes and interpersonal connections.

The newly appointed Secretary of State has established herself as a distinguished Senior Clinical Psychotherapist throughout her extensive career.

 Her professional journey spans more than 28 years, during which she has accumulated substantial experience across multiple domains.

These areas include psychotherapy practice, counselling services, public sector leadership positions, and human rights-based approaches to care and intervention.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Naiken has demonstrated versatility and expertise across numerous specialized fields.

Her work has encompassed clinical intervention strategies, crisis management protocols, rehabilitation programs, community wellbeing initiatives, and the development and implementation of national-level policies and programs.

This diverse background positions her uniquely to address the complex challenges facing mental health care in Seychelles.

Mrs. Naiken has held several prominent leadership positions within the Seychelles public service sector.

She previously served as Director General at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family, where she oversaw critical social development initiatives.

She also worked as Advisor to the Minister of Family Affairs, providing strategic guidance on family welfare policies.

Another notable position she held was Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation, known as APDAR, where she led efforts to combat substance abuse and support recovery programs.

Beyond these executive roles, Mrs. Naiken has occupied important clinical and advisory positions across both government institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Through these various capacities, she has made substantial contributions to social development frameworks, mental health service delivery systems, and human rights advocacy efforts throughout Seychelles.

Her work has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of Seychellois citizens through evidence-based practice and compassionate care.

Most recently, before receiving this new appointment, Mrs. Naiken served as Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission.

In this capacity, she championed human rights principles and worked to ensure that all citizens’ fundamental rights were protected and promoted.

Mrs. Naiken officially assumes her duties as Secretary of State for Mental Health Care on January 15, 2026, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise to this vital position.