Someone listens to their worries! Psychological Health Support Program for Young People

        Depression has been listed as one of the top killers of human health in the 21st century and is gradually becoming younger. According to research reports, many young patients often face psychological distress due to financial constraints or lack of access to resources, and therefore do not receive treatment. Taking Taiwan as an example, nearly 40% of young patients should seek medical attention but have not, which has become a major concern. To this end, the health and welfare authorities have proposed the "Youth Mental Health Support Program" to encourage young people to bravely seek help, while also calling on family and friends to care for and accompany, and protect the physical and mental health of young people.

                The Q&A for the 2023-2024 "Mental Health Support Program for Young People Aged 15-30" is as follows--

        Q1: What are the contents of the "Youth Mental Health Support Program" (hereinafter referred to as this program)? What are the conditions and restrictions?

        A1: In order to promote the mental health of young people, assist them in coping with psychological stress and negative emotions, young people aged 15-30 will be subsidized with three psychological consultations per person during the implementation period of this plan (August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024), as long as they bring identification documents.

        Q2: Do I need to pay any other fees for using the psychological counseling services of this program?

        A2: This plan subsidizes 3 sessions of psychological counseling fees, but cooperating institutions may charge additional administrative fees such as registration fees. It is recommended to confirm with the institution whether other fees need to be paid when making an appointment.

        Q3: How to use this plan for psychological counseling?

        A3: Master the following 4 mnemonics--

        Query: Check the cooperating institutions of this plan.

        Appointment: Contact the cooperating institution and make an appointment to use the service.

        Preparation: Bring identification documents for verification.

        Consultation: Seek consultation from cooperating institutions.

        Q4: Can I choose a cooperative institution outside of my place of residence to receive psychological counseling?

        A4: Yes, this scheme has no restrictions on registered residence or the county or city of residence.

        Q5: Can communication be used for psychological counseling?

        A5: Sure, it is recommended to search for institutions that have implemented communication psychological counseling from the list of cooperating institutions and make an appointment on your own.

        *List of psychological counseling cooperation institutions in each county and city: https://bit.ly/3VnVn5P

        Q6: Can we change the partner institution for psychological counseling midway? Is there a frequency or interval limit for receiving psychological counseling services?

        A6: Yes, but the total number of subsidies is limited to 3. In addition, the frequency of psychological counseling is based on once a week. If there is a need for short-term intensive psychological counseling, the cooperating organization must submit a psychological counseling plan, which can only be implemented with the approval of the Health Bureau.

        Q7: I have already made an appointment for psychological counseling. What should I do if I am unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances?

        A7: Please notify the cooperating institutions that have already made an appointment in advance and change the appointment time. If there are two consecutive absences without reason, the subsidy qualification will be suspended within 90 days from the date of the second absence.

        Q8: If the subsidy amount is used up three times and there is still a need for psychological counseling, how should we seek assistance?

        A8: You can continue to receive psychological counseling services at your own expense, or have institutions assist in coordinating community mental health service resources, such as community mental health centers, community psychological counseling service centers, etc.

        *List of Community Psychological Counseling Services in Each County and City: https://bit.ly/3KrIaCE

        Q9: I have received 1-2 services, but when I want to make an appointment for the next service, I am over 30 years old. Can I still apply for a subsidy?

        A9: Yes, as long as you have received service once and are still within the implementation period of this plan (August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024), you can apply for subsidies, but the total number of times per person is limited to 3.

        *Image source: Freepik

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