The general societal pattern in Malaysia is reflected by the distinct multi-racial composition of the population, comprised of Malays, Chinese, and Indians. In Malaysia, ethnicity determines the varied differences in the socio-cultural and religious diversity of the population. Organized modern medical services have existed in Malaysia since before independence from Great Britain in 1957 and include services for the mentally ill. Medical psychiatric training had its beginning in 1966; counselor education began in 1976. Shortages of trained personnel exist in mental health care. In Malaysia a sophisticated framework of folk healers for both physical and mental illness exists. Central to the structural system of traditional medicine in Malaysia are the bomoh among the Malays; the sinsehs among the Chinese; and the pujaris among the Indians. Common factors in the Malaysian folk therapies are identified by some central dominant element such as the semangat among the Malays; the yin-yang among the Chinese; and the tridosas among the Indians. Other aspects of the folk therapies are warmth and acceptance in the therapeutic relationship, the arousing of emotions, self-mastery, and the raising of hope and motivation to facilitate change in the patient's behavior. The "main puteri" rites are a form of indigenous Malay psychotherapy which involves an elaborate process of preparation for the client as well as the environment which incorporates the client's immediate family. Treatment procedures are usually applied as a psychotherapy for depression. This is a group process procedure which incorporates support from the patient's family and role playing techniques reminiscent of psychodrama. (Author/ABL)