The Cambodia Association for Counsellors and Psychologists (CACP) has announced the appointment of Pich Panha as its new president for the term 2025–2030. The announcement was made public on Facebook, where Panha expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by outgoing president Heu Situl.
Panha shared that his appointment took effect on 19th September 2025 and will run until 19th September 2030. He extended his best wishes to all members of the association and to the Cambodian public, expressing hopes that everyone would enjoy the four blessings of long life, health, peace, and prosperity during the upcoming Pchum Ben festival.
The Cambodia Association for Counsellors and Psychologists plays a key role in strengthening professional standards within Cambodia’s mental health sector. It provides training, advocacy, and community outreach aimed at promoting ethical and evidence-based counselling and psychological services. The association also supports collaboration between local and international partners to improve access to mental health care across the country.
Under the leadership of Heu Situl, the CACP worked to raise awareness about counselling as a recognised profession in Cambodia. His tenure was marked by partnerships with universities and NGOs to establish clearer guidelines for ethical practice and capacity building. Panha’s appointment represents the continuation of this work while signalling a new phase for the association’s future direction.
Panha, who has long been involved in the Cambodian counselling community, is expected to focus on professional development and regional cooperation. His leadership comes at a time when mental health has become a growing concern in Cambodia, with increasing demand for qualified professionals to address psychological distress and trauma. The CACP is viewed as a central body in ensuring that counsellors and psychologists in Cambodia meet professional standards and receive appropriate support.
Panha also linked his appointment to a message of unity and well-being during Pchum Ben, one of Cambodia’s most important religious festivals. The event, which honours ancestors and promotes family harmony, provides a fitting backdrop for his remarks about compassion and service in the field of mental health.
The appointment has been well received by members of the Cambodian mental health community, many of whom expressed support and congratulations in comments under his post. Observers have described the transition as an opportunity to build on the association’s achievements and strengthen collaboration across professional sectors.
