Abstract
This study examined current mental health practices in methadone treatment in Vietnam. We conducted 23 interviews with participants with methadone experiences (n = 12), methadone physicians (n = 6), counselors (n = 5), and one focus group with family members. Mental health issues were primarily identified through casual observation, on-site support was limited, and referrals to psychiatric care were rarely pursued. Four factors shaped this situation: (1) a strained patient-provider relationship; (2) an inadequately trained, unstable, unmotivated workforce; (3) participants' financial constraints; and (4) mental health stigma and misconception. Addressing system-level factors to enforce treatment guidelines and improve provider working conditions is critical to improving care quality.