A new study points to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as a practical, affordable option for people whose depression persists after standard care. This finding has important implications for strengthening Thailand’s mental health services and support networks. The research highlights how MBCT can fill the “missing middle”—patients who are not well enough for intensive specialist care but still need more than basic treatment.
Depression remains a heavy burden for many individuals and their families in Thailand. About 30% continue to experience daily symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, and hopelessness despite therapy and medication. The impact extends to workplaces, communities, and the broader economy, where lost productivity and higher health costs are felt nationwide. Data from Thailand’s public health landscape show that depression is a leading contributor to disability and socioeconomic strain in the country.
Globally, treating people who do not respond to conventional approaches is a persistent challenge. The study, led by clinical psychologists and published in May 2025, shows that even large therapy programs leave about half of participants feeling depressed after completing care. For many, additional treatment options remain limited, underscoring the need for scalable, accessible options such as MBCT. In contrast, programs like England’s NHS Talking Therapies serve millions annually, yet gaps in outcomes persist.
Thailand faces a similar care gap. The Department of Mental Health notes that specialist therapists are in short supply and many individuals with moderate or persistent depression cycle between local clinics and long waits for more intensive services. Against this backdrop, MBCT offers a promising alternative that can be delivered in group formats, online, or through blended models—potentially easing pressure on overburdened clinics.
In the study, more than 200 participants who had completed standard therapy but still showed depressive symptoms were randomized to an eight-week MBCT course delivered in small online groups or to continue with usual care. MBCT blends cognitive strategies that challenge negative thinking with mindfulness practice that builds present-moment awareness and compassionate responses to distress. The approach equips participants with skills they can apply long after the program ends.
Results were encouraging. MBCT participants showed greater relief from depressive symptoms than those receiving usual care, with benefits persisting—and slightly increasing—six months later. Moreover, health and social care demands from MBCT participants were lower in the subsequent six months, suggesting cost-effectiveness. The program cost less than £100 per person, equivalent to roughly 4,600 baht.
A study lead explained the broader significance: when depression resists standard treatment, people struggle with work, relationships, and caregiving. MBCT offers practical tools to manage symptoms and regain a sense of control.
Given budget constraints in Thailand, MBCT’s low-cost, scalable format is especially appealing. Integrating MBCT within Thailand’s community health networks could reduce waiting times for therapy and extend care to rural and underserved urban areas. The group-oriented nature of MBCT aligns with Thai social norms around community support and could be adapted to online delivery to reach distant communities.
MBCT has already gained traction as a preventive approach to relapse in some countries, and its emphasis on usable coping skills makes it a strong fit for Thailand’s mental health strategy. Advocates are calling for stepwise, community-based models that bridge basic services and specialist care. Embedding MBCT into school wellness programs, community hospitals, and digital health platforms could help address rising depression and suicide rates among youth and working-age adults.
Thailand, with a cultural emphasis on mindfulness and meditation, is well positioned to adapt MBCT. Buddhist traditions and local meditation centers can function as valuable partners to expand reach. Translation of materials and integration of Thai cultural concepts will be essential, alongside training for community health volunteers who can guide MBCT nationwide. Monitoring long-term outcomes will help identify best practices and scalable methods.
Looking ahead, expanding training for Thai psychologists, nurses, and counselors in MBCT will build a pipeline of qualified facilitators. Partnerships with digital platforms—already boosted by Thailand’s fast adoption of telemedicine—could broaden MBCT access, particularly in rural areas. Local data collection will also enrich global mental health knowledge.
For readers and families facing persistent depression, MBCT offers a clear, actionable path. Speak with health providers about MBCT options, join online facilitator-led mindfulness groups, and consult the Department of Mental Health for guidance. Community Buddhist centers and local health units may offer mindfulness programs aligned with MBCT principles. Policymakers can support pilot MBCT projects and nationwide facilitator training to strengthen Thailand’s mental health system.
Incorporating MBCT into Thailand’s health landscape could help close the “missing middle” gap, offering practical, community-based care that complements existing services and supports people in finding renewed hope and resilience.