Incheon City Launches Nation's First Online Mental Rehabilitation Platform... Provides Step-by-Step Rehabilitation Programs

by Park Haesook

Published 15 Mar.2022 10:15(KST)

Updated 15 Mar.2022 10:17(KST)

Incheon City Mental Rehabilitation Online Platform [Provided by Incheon City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City has become the first in the nation to launch an online mental rehabilitation platform called 'Hoebok-euro' (Towards Recovery).

On the 15th, the city announced that it established the online platform (maro.imhc.or.kr) to enable people with mental illnesses and their families to conveniently receive professional rehabilitation services at home, thereby enhancing their motivation for rehabilitation and recovering their health.

The platform includes a four-stage program: ▲ Stage 1 Standing Up - Importance of rehabilitation and recovery ▲ Stage 2 Moving Forward - Managing my mental and physical health ▲ Stage 3 Living Together - Social skills and daily life training ▲ Stage 4 Challenging - Strengthening employment motivation and job retention training.

Additionally, card news providing information on family rehabilitation courses, service support methods, and employment preparation, delivered by family instructors of mental illness patients, is available at all times.

The 'Hoebok-euro' rehabilitation platform can be accessed 24 hours a day after individual authentication by registered members and families of the Incheon Mental Health Welfare Center and mental rehabilitation facilities.

Mental illness is characterized mainly by decreased interpersonal needs and social activities. Rehabilitation for one individual takes a long time and is often interrupted, so continuous and consistent rehabilitation services are very important for social reintegration of people with mental illness.

However, according to research by the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health services were partially suspended in more than 60% of countries worldwide due to COVID-19, and other related reports have recommended online support to prevent an increase in mental illness.

An Incheon city official stated, "With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of rehabilitation services provided to people with mental illness and their families is growing even more," adding, "'Hoebok-euro' rehabilitation platform is expected to have a positive impact on the future development of non-face-to-face rehabilitation services."

Meanwhile, last August, the city launched and has been operating the 'Maeumeuro' (With the Mind) website, which allows non-face-to-face mental health self-assessment to help citizens' mental well-being.

Anyone can easily and quickly receive one-stop mental health testing, management, and counseling without having to visit mental health professionals in person.