Argentina Has the Most Psychologists Per Capita

Argentinians prioritize mental health like people in no other country. According to the World Health Organization, there are 223 practicing psychologists per 100,000 people. In second place worldwide is another Latin American country, Costa Rica. These numbers are shocking because many other LatAm countries have very few psychologists, highlighting two regional extremes.

Experts believe that Argentina's high concentration of psychologists is due to its open culture, which makes no distinction between physical and mental health. Unlike in many societies, Argentinians do not stigmatize attending therapy sessions. And thanks to solid demand, psychologists don't struggle to find employment; about 84% secure a job within their first year since graduating.

Compare that to another extreme, Mexico, which has only three psychologists per 100,000 people. In other words, the average Argentinian has 64 times more psychologists available than the average Mexican. In Mexico, a stigma around mental health plagues society, and the country needs much more help to deal with its emotions.

Thanks to the Internet and social media, psychologists are now finding new opportunities and mediums to spread their message and educate broader audiences. Yana, a Mexico-based startup that uses an AI chatbot for mental wellness, is tapping into this growing market with its App. Its chatbot was a concept designed by founder Andrea Campos, a self-taught programmer. Yana's software communicates with users to analyze and assess whether they need professional help. Can entrepreneurs like Andrea and rising psychology influencers bring what the rest of LatAm needs to break free of the "I don't need help" culture?