Rochelle Basden, MSc.

Rochelle Basden boasts a 37-year work history with the public health care system in the Bahamas, and more specifically the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, where she held many positions, most recently that of Director of Psychological Services. She began her professional life in 1986 after obtaining a Master’s of Science Degree from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. Her scope of practice spans a wide range of areas including direct patient services such as: psychological evaluations and psychotherapeutic interventions; training and supervision; coordination of services and delivery of care; program planning and implementation; and policy formulation.

She specializes in the study and treatment of Substance Use Disorders and is dedicated to the ongoing training of drug treatment professionals, national and regionally. Through her collaboration with national agencies as well as Regional and International organizations, she is involved in the study of drug use trends and their impact on individuals and society. For most of her professional life she has played and active role in Drug Demand Reduction efforts in the Bahamas and the region, through her participation in numerous workshops, conferences, training programs and research initiatives. As such she is actively involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of drug-related policies, plans and programs at the Institutional and National levels in the country. Specifically, she has been instrumental in the development of Quality Standards for Treatment Centers and a champion for the fight against the stigmatization and discrimination of persons who use drugs and or alcohol.

As a member of the Bahamas National Drug Council and Demand Reduction Expert with the National Anti-Drug Secretariat, Mrs. Basden has contributed to the development of successive National Anti-Drug Plans; advocated for a more balanced approach to addressing the problem of drugs in the country, emphasizing a human rights-centered, Public Health approach that supports prevention, treatment, recovery support and social inclusion.

Mrs. Basden also has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of children with special learning needs and emotional or behavioral disorders; education and training of health-care providers; and community outreach work, including Disaster Mental Health. She is a member of the Bahamas Psychological Association (BPA) and a passionate champion for the advancement of Psychology as a profession in the country.

She is married and the mother of four children and four grandchildren. She enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.