VICTORIA, Seychelles — Beryl Naiken has been appointed as the secretary of state for Mental Health Care, the Office of the President announced yesterday. Her appointment to lead mental health care services takes effect today, January 15, 2026.
This appointment matters to ordinary Seychellois because mental health affects families across the nation. Strong leadership in this portfolio means improved access to counselling, crisis intervention, and community wellbeing programmes. Mrs Naiken’s clinical background promises evidence-based approaches to addressing psychological challenges.
Mrs Naiken holds a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling from the University of Adelaide and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology from Edith Cowan University. She is currently completing a PhD in Relationship Dynamics. Her career spans clinical intervention, crisis management, rehabilitation, and national-level policy leadership.
She has served in several senior leadership roles, including director general at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family, advisor to the Minister of Family Affairs, and chief executive of the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation. She also held the post of chief executive of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission.
This appointment signals continued government commitment to addressing mental health as a national priority. Mrs Naiken’s extensive experience in both clinical and administrative roles positions her to implement effective programmes and expand access to services across the archipelago.
Mrs Naiken assumes her new role with immediate effect.
📷 Image source: Ministry of Social Affairs — socialaffairs.gov.sc
