 This article discusses the provision of mental health services in low and middle income countries, LMICs, with a view to understanding the cultural dynamics how the challenges they pose can be addressed and the opportunities harnessed in specific cultural contexts. The article highlights the need for prioritization of mental health services by incorporating local population and cultural needs. This can be achieved only through political will and strengthened legislation, improved resource allocation and strategic organization, integrated packages of care underpinned by professional communication and training, an involvement of patients, informal carers and the wider community in a therapeutic capacity. This article was authored by Shania Rothode, Nassima Pinanti, Muhammadiyafan and others.