Yongin City Launches Psychological Therapy for Shock from Itaewon Disaster

Yongin City Mental Health Welfare Center Affiliated Yongin City Suicide Prevention Center

[Asia Economy (Yongin) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province will provide psychological counseling to citizens experiencing mental and psychological distress due to the recent incident.

The Giheung-gu Public Health Center in Yongin announced on the 1st that it will offer psychological counseling to citizens, including bereaved families, witnesses, and those suffering mental distress from the sudden accident, to help them return to their daily lives as soon as possible.

Accordingly, citizens experiencing psychological and mental issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress related to this incident can call the Yongin City Mental Health Welfare Center or the direct psychological counseling hotline (1577-0199).

Initially, counseling will be provided via phone, and if necessary, face-to-face consultations will be conducted. Psychological counseling or mental health professionals will offer mental health screening tests for stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) counseling.

Based on the screening and counseling results, mild symptoms will be concluded after guidance on mental health services. If needed, individuals will be registered at the Yongin City Mental Health Welfare Center for follow-up care, including referrals to treatment institutions and support for treatment costs.

A health center official stated, "It is a very natural reaction to feel psychological shock or difficulties due to an unexpected accident right in front of you," and urged, "If you are experiencing difficulties related to the Itaewon incident, please do not hesitate to apply for counseling."