Sancheong County Launches Nationwide Mind Investment Support Project

Recruiting Institutions and Participants for Psychological Counseling Services

Sancheong County in Gyeongnam Province announced on the 18th that it will launch the "National Mind Investment Support Project" starting this July. This project is being carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to provide psychological counseling support for all citizens, as South Korea ranks the lowest among OECD countries in mental health indicators, including having the highest suicide rate.

Previously, Sancheong County has been accepting applications from psychological counseling service providers since June in preparation for the project. Applications, which will be accepted until October, are divided into two categories based on the qualifications of the service personnel: Type 1 (Level 1 mental health professionals, Level 1 youth counselors, Level 1 professional counseling teachers, etc.) and Type 2 (Level 2 mental health professionals, Level 2 youth counselors, Level 2 professional counseling teachers, etc.).

In particular, considering the local environment of Sancheong County, where there are currently no psychological counseling service providers, the county has actively eased the requirements for the "head of psychological counseling service provider" to Type 2 qualifications and announced it accordingly, demonstrating proactive administration to care for the mental well-being of residents.

Residents experiencing emotional difficulties such as depression or anxiety can obtain a referral from the Mental Health Welfare Center, Youth Counseling and Welfare Center, Wee Center, or a psychiatric medical institution, and then apply at their local township office.

If selected as a beneficiary, individuals can receive up to eight psychological counseling sessions (each lasting at least 50 minutes) at registered psychological counseling service providers. Detailed information is available on the Sancheong County website, and inquiries can be directed to the Sancheong County Mental Health Welfare Center.

An official from the Sancheong County Health and Medical Center stated, "We will actively support eligible service providers to register quickly according to the qualification criteria for the National Mind Investment Psychological Counseling Service, so that residents struggling emotionally can comfortably receive services within the community."