Eight Counseling Sessions Provided Through Psychological Support Service
Jeonju City Public Health Center in North Jeolla Province will continue to implement the 'National Mind Investment Support Project' this year.
According to the health center on the 20th, this project aims to provide professional, conversation-based psychological counseling services to citizens experiencing emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety, to care for their troubled and weary minds, and ultimately to prevent suicide and promote early detection of mental disorders.
Since its first implementation in July last year, 599 citizens have used this service to date.
Eligible recipients include: ▲ Those who have received a referral or opinion letter recognizing the need for psychological counseling from the Jeonju City Public Health Center Mind Healing Center, psychiatric medical institutions, mental health welfare centers, Wee Centers, university counseling centers, etc. ▲ Those identified with moderate or higher depression (score of 10 or more) through the national health checkup ▲ Youth preparing for independence and children under extended protection, among others.
However, due to the nature of the service, young children who are not yet able to communicate smoothly, those with drug or alcohol addiction, severe mental disorders, or serious psychological issues requiring psychiatric treatment as a priority are excluded from the project.
In relation to this, the 'National Mind Investment Support Project' provides a voucher for up to 8 counseling sessions per year, with support of up to 640,000 KRW depending on the type of service. Depending on the recipient's income level, a maximum out-of-pocket payment of 192,000 KRW may be required.
Those wishing to use the service can apply at their local community center with supporting documents such as a referral or opinion letter issued within three months from the date of application. Adults aged 19 or older can also apply online through the Welfare Nuri website.
If additional counseling is needed after the conclusion of the 'National Mind Investment Support Project' counseling, recipients can receive up to 8 additional counseling sessions free of charge at the Jeonju City Public Health Center Mind Healing Center, and may also participate in various mind healing programs beyond psychological counseling.
Kim Sinsun, head of Jeonju City Public Health Center, said, "In an era where mental health has become as important as physical health, I hope this project will help alleviate citizens' psychological difficulties," and added, "We will do our best to care for the mental health of our citizens."
Meanwhile, the Jeonju City Public Health Center Mind Healing Center also operates psychological counseling and various mind healing programs for citizens. Those wishing to participate can inquire through the Jeonju City Mind Healing Center blog or by phone.
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