Gwanak-gu Protects Mental Health of Residents Experiencing Depression and Anxiety

Providing 8 Sessions of Professional Psychological Counseling Services to Residents Facing Psychological Difficulties in the Second Half of This Year... Vouchers Usable at Specialized Institutions Nationwide

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare last month, among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, South Korea ranks first in depression (36.8%) and fourth in anxiety symptoms (29.5%), with the number of depression patients exceeding one million.

In particular, due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting deterioration of the social environment, the number of patients receiving treatment for mental illnesses is increasing. This is likely to lead to a surge in social costs and the occurrence of abnormal motivation crimes, raising concerns about social safety issues.

In response, Gwanak-gu (District Mayor Park Jun-hee) has prepared various psychological counseling services for Gwanak-gu residents experiencing emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety.

First, the district will provide the “National Mind Investment Support Project” service in the second half of this year so that anyone can take care of their mental health in daily life.

The “National Mind Investment Support Project” is a key task of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s mental health policy innovation plan. It provides professional psychological counseling services to residents experiencing emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety, supporting residents’ mental health through suicide prevention and early detection of mental illnesses.

The support targets include ▲those recognized as needing psychological counseling at mental health welfare centers, university counseling centers, mental medical institutions, etc., and ▲those confirmed to have moderate or higher depression (a score of 10 or more on the depression screening test) in the national health examination.

Counseling services are provided by experts holding qualifications such as Level 1 or 2 mental health professionals, Level 1 or 2 youth counselors, Level 1 or 2 professional counseling teachers, Level 1 clinical psychologists, and private qualifications such as clinical psychology specialists, Level 1 or 2 counseling psychologists, and Level 1 or 2 professional counselors.

Residents who wish to receive psychological counseling can apply in person at their local community service center with the required documents such as a referral letter. Online applications (via Bokjiro) are planned to be available from October this year, with further announcements to follow.

Eligible individuals will receive a voucher that allows them to receive a total of eight professional one-on-one face-to-face psychological counseling sessions. Within 120 days, they can choose any service provider regardless of their place of residence and use the voucher. However, the out-of-pocket cost varies depending on the type of service and income level and must be paid separately. ▲Youth preparing for independence, ▲extended protection children, and ▲those with income below 70% of the median income are exempt from out-of-pocket costs. For those above 70% of the median income, the cost per session for Level 1 service ranges from a minimum of 8,000 KRW to a maximum of 24,000 KRW depending on income.

Additionally, the district has been operating the “2050 Youth and Middle-aged Mind Embrace Project” free of charge since 2022 through agreements with two counseling centers in the area to support residents’ mental health and stable lives.

The “2050 Youth and Middle-aged Mind Embrace Project” is a psychological support service that provides eight customized psychological counseling sessions based on mental screening tests and professional psychological assessments.

A professional psychological counselor stationed at the Gwanak-gu Public Health Center’s Mind Counseling Room helps individuals achieve psychological stability through personal counseling and one-on-one mind healing programs. For clients experiencing interpersonal difficulties, group counseling programs are offered to provide opportunities for mutual communication among members.

In just the first half of this year, 233 residents have received psychological counseling (1,182 sessions), 149 professional psychological assessments have been conducted, and 91 mind healing programs have been held, showing strong interest and utilization by many residents.

Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “I hope many people suffering from depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation receive professional psychological counseling to look into their minds and heal their wounds on their own,” adding, “We will continue to strive to support the mental health and stable lives of our residents.”