Background: The concept of mental disorders varies between cultures. Local beliefs about mental disorders in Belu have not been identified early. Management, services and attention to mental health problems provided are still minimal. Families of people with mental disorders trust shamans more in the process of healing people with mental disorders. Minimal access to health facilities creates gaps in care and treatment between shamans and medical health services. Objective: To explore public health beliefs and community perceptions about mental disorders in Belu District, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT). Method: An ethnographic approach used is focused ethnography using the Spradley Model. Data were analyzed using NVIVO 12 software. Semi-structured interviews with 19 participants consisting of 6 health workers, 7 community members, and 6 traditional elders. The sample selection is based on experience and location in 5 community health centers. Results: There are five main themes (1) Imbalance in the nature of human life (2) Masculine mental disorders and feminine mental disorders (3) Obstacles in the recovery of people with mental disorders (4) Being supportive and socially distance (5) Releasing heat with Cool. Conclusion: Five cultural themes were identified. Masculine mental disorders and feminine mental disorders present gender stereotypes