Namwon-si Promotes 'Mental Health Primary Care Physician Project' to Enhance Mental Well-being

The Namwon City Public Health Center in Jeonbuk announced on the 27th that it will promote the 'Mental Health Primary Care Physician' project.

This project was prepared to promote the mental health of citizens by helping those experiencing mental difficulties to overcome prejudice and bias against psychiatry and to lower the barriers to using psychiatric services.

Exterior view of Namwon City Mental Health Welfare Center. [Photo by Namwon City]

According to the 2021 Mental Illness Survey, the lifetime prevalence of mental illness is 27.8%, meaning that one in four people has experienced mental health issues such as depression or anxiety at least once in their lifetime. However, only 26.9% of those with mental health problems actually use mental health services, and among them, only 12.1% have visited a psychiatric clinic.

In response, the Namwon City Mental Health Welfare Center operates the 'Mental Health Primary Care Physician' project, where a psychiatric specialist visits the mental health welfare center once a month to provide professional counseling and connect citizens experiencing mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and stress to treatment.

Additionally, financial support for treatment is provided if necessary, so those who wish to receive professional counseling regarding mental health issues can make a phone reservation or inquiry in advance.

A city official stated, "We will strive to promote citizens' mental health by strengthening early detection and intervention of mental health problems, improving the utilization rate of mental health services, and preventing the chronicity of mental illnesses."

Namwon = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jeong Young-gwon baekok@asiae.co.kr