Dear Residents of Gangdong-gu, Please Get Your Mental Health Checkup~~~

Gangdong-gu Supports Mental Health Checkups and Counseling... Free 3 Sessions for Residents Aged 19 and Over, 11 Medical Institutions Participate to Lower Barriers to Psychiatric Care and Promote Residents' Mental Health

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) is partnering with local medical institutions to provide free mental health checkups and counseling to residents experiencing severe stress, depression, and other psychological difficulties.

Amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the term "Corona Blue" (a blend of "Corona" and "blue," meaning depression) has emerged as more residents report feelings of depression and anxiety. This initiative aims to detect mental health risk factors early and encourage timely treatment.

The program targets Gangdong-gu residents aged 19 and older. Those who receive mental health checkups or counseling at designated psychiatric medical institutions will have their medical fees supported up to three visits. However, individuals currently undergoing psychiatric treatment at any medical institution (including others) are excluded from this program.

To receive treatment, residents should call the medical institution to make a reservation and visit with their ID. There are 11 designated psychiatric medical institutions: Onmam Psychiatric Clinic, Neulpureun Psychiatric Clinic, Hyeon Psychiatric Clinic, Gangdong Neuropsychiatric Clinic, Kim Jong-ha Psychiatric Clinic, Pyeongon Mental Health Clinic, Sagwanamu Mental Health Clinic, Yonsei Phil Mental Health Clinic, Now Psychiatric Clinic, Daeseong Mental Health Clinic, and Shwim Mental Health Clinic.

At the first visit, the medical institution will conduct a screening test for depression and assess mental health. If the patient is judged to be at risk, one to two additional counseling sessions will be provided.

When billing health insurance after treatment, the code used is for general health counseling rather than psychiatric illness, so there is no concern about psychiatric treatment records remaining.

For high-risk patients requiring psychiatric medication and specialized treatment, the program guides them to continue treatment through general medical care.

A district official stated, "Many people hesitate to visit hospitals for psychiatric counseling due to social stigma and the burden of medical expenses. Through the 'Mental Health Checkup and Counseling Support' project, we aim to lower the barriers to psychiatric care and help more residents receive treatment when needed."

Gangdong-gu Office Public Health Center, Health Promotion Division

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.